Thursday, 12 August 2010

Do opposites really attract?

In fairy tales we are often shown that in relationships like belongs with like. Take Thumbelina, who wasn't happy until she found a man who was the same size as her. Or Sleeping Beauty, the story of a princess who fell in love with a prince even though she didn't know he was one. But in real life does it really work like that? And if it does, should it? Should the good-looking, the geeks and the emos stay with their 'own kind'? In my opinion, no. If we all did that I think we'd wind up being bored. If we all went out with someone who shared exactly the same interests as us and had the same type of personality, where would the spark come from when we ran out of things to talk about?
There are some fairy tales that suggest opposites attract, such as Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. Despite different backgrounds the couples in these stories fall for each other and get their happy endings. So are fairytales giving us mixed signals? Perhaps. And in real life can it work both ways?
There are many areas where opposites could, in theory, cause problems. For example, different religious backgrounds, social standings and views on marriage could all stand in the way of a relationship. But maybe when it comes to love most people wouldn't let it.
Yet, in a world where some people believe in destined-to-be-together soul mates, others see their spouse as their 'other half' and the rest see it as just good chemistry, how do we know when we've found our perfect match? How do we know they're worth fighting for?
If fairy tales are anything to go by, nobody has control when it comes to love, and it comes in all shapes and sizes. Some people will fall for someone they never expected, while others will get the person they've been dreaming of since they were little.
And if you're lucky, or happen to be a Disney princess, then you'll get your happy ending. Here's hoping!