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Opposites attract, and countless individuals have fallen in love with someone who is different from who they are in some way. Many people believe that things can be difficult when in a relationship with a person who has morals, values and interests that don’t match up with their own. Others may even think that it can’t work at all. But the truth of the matter is that it can, and here’s why. People who are in relationships with their total opposites are constantly learning something new. With each conversation, they gather a different perspective, and they discover a number of ways to do and think about things outside of their comfort zone. Life is all about learning and growing, right? So by dating someone who sees things differently from you, it will help you expand your mind, and maybe even change some of your habits for the better.
Having balance in any relationship is vital to its survival. Dating someone who is not the same as you can create a sense of stability and oneness between two wildly different personalities. While many people have great personalities and are seemingly well-rounded, the reality is that no one has it all, and dating a person who is the opposite of you can help bring out what’s lacking. They can complement you. Whether it’s giving a constant dose of reality or a boost of confidence, having someone with opposing personality traits by your side creates a balance of give and take that we all need.
Being involved with someone who views life in a way you don’t will also challenge you, and force you to step away from what you’re used to. Often we become complacent with who we are and get stuck in a routine of dating the same type of people who give us the same kind of results. That makes things boring. But if you’re with someone who is constantly engaging in new experiences and wants to take you along for the ride, go for it! It will help bring out something in you that you didn’t know existed.
However, falling for a person who has significantly different morals and beliefs can also have an adverse effect on you and the relationship. For instance, you may believe in practicing celibacy before marriage, and your mate may not. Or your partner may have a particular denominational faith that is not in line with your own. In this case, what do you do? You can’t expect an individual to change their beliefs to meet the expectations of your moral standards. But then again, you don’t want to abandon your truth. In a case like this, if you can’t find a happy medium then it may be best to end things amicably before you betray yourself–or make your partner miserable.
Every relationship will have its challenges, but it’s important to remember that if you want to make things work, you must have a willing and open heart to embrace your partner completely. Accept them for who they are and who they are not. Some ways to do this include being sure you are secure in who you are, respecting each other’s morals and values and learning to agree to disagree. It’s obvious that people will differ in a number of ways. But as long as your significant other brings out the best in you with their unique sense of self, and you’re doing the same for them, the road to happiness is right in the palm of your hands. Everyone was created in their own special way to serve a distinct purpose. Learn to embrace what makes your partner different, because that’s what makes him or her special, and specially designed for a person like you.
Liz Lampkin is the Author of Are You a Reflection of the Man You Pray For?, a motivational speaker who take pride in empowering single women to be all who they were created to be. Follow her on Twitter @Liz_Lampkin.
