OPPOSITES CAN BE FUN IN A MARRIAGE

In a marriage, having differing views and interests can bring variety. Many relationships begin because opposites attract! There are often common values and beliefs whether from the same background or religion. So initially it can appear there are major differences but the basic elemments are consistent. Love can prevail! Working on accepting each person as unique as a grain of sand on the beach. Like the salt and pepper added to your meal- they complement each other but have a distinct taste. Man and Woman! Husband and Wife! A couple but separate while together! Each with strengths and vulnerabilities! What are your thoughts about marriage? How do you make it work? Do you think you are different from your partner or very similar?

DO OPPOSITES ATTRACT?

We often hear that opposites attract. The gentle lady likes the bad boy. The neatnick marries the slob. In most relationships there are different personalities and varied interests. We are not clones of our partners. The differences can add depth and passion to any relationship. There has to be some common ground, however, for any couple to succeed. We can have different tastes in music or movies, for example, and survive. It is our core values that keep us together. If both are ambitious to get ahead then it strengthens the bond. If honesty is paramount to daily living, both can venture out. Areas like love of life, family, and a sense of self

that manifest through the partnership keep it going. Most couples have their own common ground. Sometimes it is difficult to articulate what it is. It is when the ground shifts and one starts to change in a different direction that trouble may brew. We could redefine the concept of opposites. We could say each person has strengths they bring to the relationship. Thus it is interdependent. We rely on each other. It may be scary that we are more like our partners than we think. It is often said that couples who are together for a long time start to look like each other. Interesting thought! Are your core values similar to your other half? Are you more alike than originally thought? Are your differences helpful to your relationship?