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Published on:

28th Dec 2023

Opposites don't actually attract

It seems like every day I hear or see or read something that contradicts some long-held belief banged in my head by society.

The latest one is that opposites attract.

Apparently, most straight ones don't.

A study in the journal Nature looked at the results of nearly 200 studies on heterosexual relationships.

This mega meta-analysis featured a sample of around 8 million people from around the world.

Overall, they found that a vast majority of participants shared at least 18 of 22 characteristics with their partner.

These traits ranged from political and religious views, education and IQ levels, opinions about drug and alcohol views.

They even shared similar levels of happiness in whether they were introverts or extroverts.

The researchers also did their own study with more than 100,000 volunteers in the UK.

The participants shared a whopping 89% of these traits with their partners.

And strangely enough, many couples in the study even drank the same amount of water each day.

I'm left to ask, what came first, the chicken or the egg?

Do we simply want someone like us?

Or as I tend to believe, are we the sum of our relationships?

The longer two people are in a vice grip together, the more they compromise.

As Abe Lincoln once said, a house divided cannot stand.

What do you think?

Is your partner like you?

Let me know what you think in the comments at jamesbrowntv.substack.com

Email: jamesbrowntv@gmail.com

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About the Podcast

The Daily Note with James A. Brown
Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. 5 days a week, 90 seconds a day, on-air and online from sea to shining sea.
The Daily Note is a daily commentary podcast that finds deeper meaning in everyday moments. Host James A. Brown explores how our world really works through thoughtful observation and authentic storytelling.

Each short-form episode starts with something specific James noticed while walking downtown, a conversation overheard in a coffee shop, or a small detail that revealed something larger about modern life. These aren't political hot takes or partisan commentary. The Daily Note offers genuine reflection and systems thinking for busy professionals.
This daily podcast serves listeners who want intelligent analysis without the noise. Perfect for commuters, coffee breaks, and anyone seeking thoughtful perspective on current events, workplace dynamics, and American culture.

The Daily Note delivers smart commentary, personal storytelling, and practical insights in bite-sized episodes that respect your time and intelligence. New episodes Monday through Friday.

Commentary for people who want to understand their world better, not feel better about what they already believe.

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