Kind of a GTKY but are you and your DH/SO opposite or two of a kind?
Overall DH and I are two of a kind with a few differences. We are both vocal, enjoy sports, enjoy the same things, speak our mind etc. It has lead to difficulties because we both have trouble listening but we also have a great bond because of it. The main difference is I am much more laid back than him. He is the worry wart especially with our kids, where I am more "kids will be kids, and we can't keep them in bubble wrap" type person.
DH and I are definitely "opposites attract" in most cases. He is really easy going and I am more high strung. We love doing the same things to unwind, so that helps us both meet in the middle. We are both really active and have a passion for helping others. I am a teacher and I also love learning, so I will continue to pursue higher degrees whenever it will financially benefit us in the long run. He, on the other hand, gets horrible anxiety about school and thinking about another degree. He's good at it, but he just gets nervous. I love how we balance one another in terms of parenting, and I have found that we parent far more similarly than I anticipated! I think we have a really good balance of the opposite stuff to keep it interesting while we have enough of the same stuff to keep it all together!
DH and I are definitely two of a kind. Same interests, same social awkwardness, and very similar personalities. Though he definitely is more submissive than I am. He also lacks some real world experience that I do have. So far I dont think we've disagreed on any major thing and honestly I dont think that'll happen any time soon either. Sure we have our fights, who doesnt, but because we think alike so much most things are easily resolved and most of it ends up having been simple miscommunication
We have a mix of both, if that's possible. We are similar in a lot of our tastes, goals, and opinions. I think much of that is due to the fact that we've basically grown up together (met when we were 15), so we have been through many, many defining moments together. We can pretty much always predict how the other will react to a situation or decision.
We are opposites in other big ways, though. I'm an introvert, he's an extrovert. I'm detail-oriented and love doing things like budgeting. If he were left to his own devices, his savings account would be cash under his mattress. I will no doubt be ready to bubble wrap our child, he will be ready to take her mountain biking asap. All in all, we balance each other out quite well while being on the same page about a lot of important stuff.
Me and my husband are totally opposites I am just goofy and loud at times I can easily make conversation. My husband is more shy will be goofy but only around people he really really knows other then that he has a striaght face looks intimidating doesn't like making conversation. Makes me wonder how in the world did we end up together married. But I love him so much
I think both! We are two of a kind in thoughts on major things like religion, financial planning and boundary setting. You know, the stuff that causes major rifts in marriages.
But personality wise I go much more with the flow and I'm messy and he is very into order and cleaning. Also socially he is much better at small talk than me (I think because of his job) but I'm much better at reading people and situations.
I think we work well together! We are coming up on our 10 year anniversary of being together in august.
We are two of a kind. Actually were the only couple in our premarital counseling class to have the same Myers-Brigg result, INTJ. So basically we like to stay home in our very organized house.
One thing that is different about us is that I'm much more high strung and he is much more laid back. I think it is good for me to be with someone who can balance out some of my craziness and help me see the bigger picture in certain situations.
DH and i are total opposites! ying yang, night and day lolzzz the one thing we have in common is that we both speak our minds in the most honest way, but other than that OPPOSITE...hes the good cop w ds am the bad cop. hes stay at home and watch movies im go out and be social. when he and i first met his sister made it a point to mention to me how good we compliment each other everything i am hes not and vice versa!
We are definitely opposites attract. He's introverted, quiet, has bad social anxiety, tends to be sedentary, has a dry and sarcastic sense of humor, and is interested in art and movies. I'm extroverted, talkative, love socializing, am fairly active, have a silly sense of humor, and am interested in science and nature. We even look really different. But we are similar in some ways - we both ended up in science-oriented careers and we have a lot of the same values.
Edited to add: Even though he has social anxiety and I don't, I'm WAY more anxious than he is otherwise. He's much more calm and laid back and doesn't care what people think of him. I care so much (probably too much).
Dh and I are opposites. Culturally, we were raised very different. He was raised in the woods of Maine, I was raised on the south side of Chicago. He's super motivated to do things all the time, I get lazy, he's a very sweet, country boy, I've developed thick skin by the rude people in the city. He's super patient, I'm totally not. He never gets mad, I totally get angry. I'm very social, he's not. I'm an artist, he does politics/education/computer science. He's pretty much perfect :x
I'd say we're complimentary. He's very methodical, over planner and super organized. For example: after he proposed to me we went to lunch where he busted out excel spreadsheets with several 5 year plan options. What a romantic.
I am more laid back when it comes to big picture thinking but can tell you where any thing is in our house any any given moment and am the family calendar keeper.
We have the same awkward sense of humor and generally just like to hang out with each other instead of other people.
We are a combination of both. On the major things (religious beliefs, number of kids etc) we are pretty much on the exact same spot on the same page of the same book. As for social he is more outgoing (he likes to go to the local bar and play poker once a week whereas I would rather go for dinner or drinks with a close group of friends) than I am and MUCH better at making small talk. He loves movies and gaming but I enjoy books and TV more. He is very confident and I'm not. He worries over medical things WAY more than me (he got West Nile virus back in 98 from a mosquito when it was a danger in Florida, was misdiagnosed, his brain swelled and was in a coma for 3 months. Scar tissue from all that led to him having epilepsy for the past 17 years) but with big picture things he's more laid back.
Opposites attract ! My husband has a calm and laid back nature. Which is perfect to calm my high strung and worrisome self . He's super patient . I am not so much . ( lately I'm better) He reminds me to not take myself too seriously and relax . He's super athletic me not so much . I'm a clean freak . He's far from it. I love to dance he has two left feet . I'm a spender. he's great at managing money. Somehow we complement each other perfectly.
We're opposite as far as our personalities go..but we share a lot of the same beliefs. His definitely a people person and can literally talk to anyone about anything. He's so into sports, music, and politics. I'm not as socially apt and I hate being the center of attention. I like meeting new people but I'm shy at first. He doesn't care how he looks leaving the house and I put on make up to drive to the post office lol! I'm very organized, clean and kind of bossy. He's so laid back! It works for us though! He mellows me out and has taught me a lot and he's learned a lot from me too. If only I could get him into musical theater...
For those of you who are opposites, how hard did you have to work at your relationship? How did you know it was worth fighting for? (My partner and I are not cut from the same cloth and I'm starting to think it's a big deal.)
@BoomBarian we aren't married but we've had our share of issues. I've really had to work on blowing things out of proportion when I'm mad and saying the meanest thing possible so I "win" the argument. At the end of the day, my life is so much better with him in it and when I freak out over little things, I remind myself where I would be had I never met him. He definitely makes me a better person. As far as his childish, "let's take a break" horse shit...he called me shortly after that and we talked for hours. The fact that we can be so honest with each other about how we feel is really what keeps us going, no matter what happens. I know when things get bad he's got my back and I've got his. And when things are great he's my biggest cheerleader and I'm his. It really comes down to that gut instinct that he's it for me and I know I'm it for him. There's never been any doubt about that. Have you talked to your husband/so? Like heart to heart really open and honest? It's hard but it's better to get things out in the open than stuck wondering if you had.
@BoomBarian, we had to work really hard. We've been together 8 years (married for <1). We ended up in couples counseling for a year or so, but that actually had more to do with our similarities than differences. We both grew up in households where we were treated poorly, and we are very defensive. When he would do something that upset me, I'd feel this intense need to make him understand what he did wrong, and he'd do the same thing to me. We'd end up in these huge fights where we couldn't let anything go because we just HAD to make the other person see our side. We learned in counseling that we do much better if we don't talk about everything. If he upsets me and I let it go, he doesn't continue to upset me forever (like I fear he will) because he loves me and doesn't want to make me feel bad. It was really hard to figure that out.
Our differences do sometimes get in the way. I would love it if he went out with me more often, and sometimes I get angry that he doesn't make the effort. And he gets really annoyed when I overbook his weekend.
We knew our relationship was worth fighting for when we both agreed to counseling. Clearly, we both loved each other enough to do something that we didn't want to do (counseling). And it worked out really well.
@BoomBarian I'd say it's the trivial things that make us opposite and the important things that make us compatible. For example, him and I both wanted a family (we both love kids), we are both very loving and affectionate (I've dated non-snuggles before, ew), family comes first for both of us, we are both very giving and compassionate (I dated a guy once who refused to donate any of his old clothes because he "worked for them" ugh), both love dogs (lol), we both believe in getting treated as equals in a relationship is important, he understands that i'm a feminist and he himself believes in equal rights for all women (He was hoping for a baby girl), etc etc. These are things that I cannot budge on when it comes to a relationship. Sometimes it's hard to maintain his Hippie family values and my Mexican family values- our cultural differences have been hard to balance but we always compromise because we both really want to be in this together. We also like to learn from each other. It's important that you're both on the same page about the BIG PICTURE, not the little things that you can always change. And thorough communication is So Important! We've worked on that a lot since we've been together.
@BoomBarian we aren't married but we've had our share of issues. I've really had to work on blowing things out of proportion when I'm mad and saying the meanest thing possible so I "win" the argument. At the end of the day, my life is so much better with him in it and when I freak out over little things, I remind myself where I would be had I never met him. He definitely makes me a better person. As far as his childish, "let's take a break" horse shit...he called me shortly after that and we talked for hours. The fact that we can be so honest with each other about how we feel is really what keeps us going, no matter what happens. I know when things get bad he's got my back and I've got his. And when things are great he's my biggest cheerleader and I'm his. It really comes down to that gut instinct that he's it for me and I know I'm it for him. There's never been any doubt about that. Have you talked to your husband/so? Like heart to heart really open and honest? It's hard but it's better to get things out in the open than stuck wondering if you had.
We talk all the time. We have been to counseling. I didn't get anything out of couples counseling, but he did. (To be fair, we were there for his trust issues that had absolutely nothing to do with me.) He tries really hard but is never quite up to par. I stay because he tries so hard and he's not an asshole. (Don't all fairy tales start with that sentiment?) I can't really tell what is a deal-breaker, and what I should just deal with. I'm hoping it's hormones and will pass. (Again, the stuff fairy tales are made of.)
I remember that you said you were on your way to singledom, I'm glad you were able to work it out! I am a bit fiery myself, but that spills over to all aspects of my life and is usually a good thing. (I'm not saying that I didn't throw a jewelry box across the room the other day or anything, but I'm not saying I did, either.)
If I wasn't pregnant, I wouldn't even be trying. I think that speaks volumes. Thanks for your advice! I love hearing from people whose relationships aren't perfect but make it work well, it gives me hope.
2 of a kind We have really similar personalities and views/values - political, religious, family, etc. So that makes it easier. I love that he is more creative and idealistic, whereas I am a little more practical and focused. He is also literally the kindest person I've ever met (whereas I'm a little more withdrawn) so I am looking forward to him passing on that kindness and compassion to our kiddo(s).
It took everything in me not to punch him in the face and listen to him instead. I do agree with @elmann1 though. It's ultimately about the bigger picture and not so much the things you know can change.
For us it was communication, self-awareness, and the ability to respect our differences. We used to fight all the time about how we spent our free time. He, being an extrovert, always wanted to hang out with groups of friends. I, being an introvert, hated that. Once we became aware of our own personality needs, we were able to understand each other much better. I respect his need for socializing, he respects my need for space. It was a huge step once I was able to comfortably say "You go do your thing, I will do mine." And neither of us resented the other for it. We're also able to compromise much better - I know I have to suck it up and be social every once in awhile, and he knows that there are nights I need to stay home with a book or Netflix and not interact with any actual humans.
@elmann1, the 'Big Picture' bit is great advice. I'm going to look deep and see where most of my unhappiness lies. Maybe I should re-examine the things I will not budge on and make sure they are legit.
He is on the Christian Conservative side of things and I'm more of a Riot Grrrl Atheist. I have no idea how it will ever work. How do you deal with your different values so well?
@BoomBarian, we had to work really hard. We've been together 8 years (married for <1). We ended up in couples counseling for a year or so, but that actually had more to do with our similarities than differences. We both grew up in households where we were treated poorly, and we are very defensive. When he would do something that upset me, I'd feel this intense need to make him understand what he did wrong, and he'd do the same thing to me. We'd end up in these huge fights where we couldn't let anything go because we just HAD to make the other person see our side. We learned in counseling that we do much better if we don't talk about everything. If he upsets me and I let it go, he doesn't continue to upset me forever (like I fear he will) because he loves me and doesn't want to make me feel bad. It was really hard to figure that out.
Our differences do sometimes get in the way. I would love it if he went out with me more often, and sometimes I get angry that he doesn't make the effort. And he gets really annoyed when I overbook his weekend.
We knew our relationship was worth fighting for when we both agreed to counseling. Clearly, we both loved each other enough to do something that we didn't want to do (counseling). And it worked out really well.
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I really like that you knew it was worth fighting for when you both agreed to counseling. That makes me hopeful! And what an interesting place for you both to get at that if you DON"T talk to each other, you will fare better in the relationship. That is probably pretty rare and usually the opposite of relationship advice. I'm glad you found something that works for you and I thank you for your advice!
@BoomBarian That part is all about compromise and communication. My family is Catholic, so on Christmas we're big on the Virgin Mary. DH's parents are not religious at all, they celebrate Winter Solstice the way we celebrate Christmas. His parents make it clear how much they disagree with religion. but DH and I are both open minded and celebrate both of our beliefs, and we make it clear that we have no knowledge of them but do it to make the other happy. I feel like its only fair to celebrate what we both up grew up with. It's mostly to make him happy, even though sometimes I don't agree with it (we always end up having a great time regardless!) Sometimes, I have to remind myself that it's DH and I against the world, not DH, his family/my family and I against the world. Also, its ok to have differing beliefs, but in a relationship you'll have to experience a bit of each others perspective.
I really like that you knew it was worth fighting for when you both agreed to counseling. That makes me hopeful! And what an interesting place for you both to get at that if you DON"T talk to each other, you will fare better in the relationship. That is probably pretty rare and usually the opposite of relationship advice. I'm glad you found something that works for you and I thank you for your advice!
Yeah, it was really strange. We truly thought that we were awful communicators. We would talk and talk and talk about something and it would just lead to more and more fighting. I grew up thinking that the key to a successful relationship is talking things through and coming to an understanding. But, we never could. The funny thing is that we kinda figured it out on accident. Our first therapy assignment was to not talk about things until we got to therapy. By the time we'd get to therapy, we would have already resolved things - we would both recognize our part in things and apologize...we just needed the space to remove ourselves from the emotional reactions.
I'm so curious about your relationship - what is is that is never up to par (your previous post)? I think @elmann1 is right - if the really big picture things are there, and your values and morals align, then I think it can work. The religion thing seems tricky - both my husband and I are atheists, so we don't have to worry about it, but I could see how a Riot Girrrl Athiest would have a tough time with a Conservative Christian. I bet you have similar values, despite the difference - like personal freedom, being kind to others, etc.
This is tough but I'd say we're closer to Two of a Kind. Our personalities are similar, we enjoy the same things and have the same views and values. There's definitely things that are very different about us. DH is more of a "go-with-the-flow" kind of person, and I like to plan things out. He's a spender and I'm a saver. I have an anxiety disorder and he is my calm. We're both creative but in different formats; I bake and he does art, wood and metalworking. I'm not very "domestic" (aside from cooking) he can do all of that and is really handy which I love. Anything any one of us doesn't know how to do, the other does so we truly complete each other. He's my soul mate.
We are as alike as you can be. In fact his dad told me that I am basically the female version of his son. We are both hard working and spend our time off working around our house. I work in the dairy industry and he has been around dairy cattle since he was seven, except for the last two years as he became self employed. Shy and socially awkward with a very small group of friends. Prefer to save money and live a simpler life over spending. We both love animals and currently own 28 (with more coming any day now as we have a hen sitting on a nest.) We even both prefer chick flick movies (yes I know strange for my hubby) and drive really big trucks (yes I know strange for a female). We are the couple that finishes sentences and knows how the other will react to any situation. Very few fights after meeting 3 years ago over a blind date and being married for just over a year and a half. The only difference and only thing we fight over is organization which he lacks and I'm queen of.
We are definitely opposites and I love it! DH is outgoing while I prefer to keep to myself most of the time. He stresses about everything while I am pretty calm for having so much going on. I'm scientifically minded and he not. We balance each other and calm each other when needed. Of course we have some similarities but I wouldn't change anything about our relationship, I can sometimes be a pain I wouldn't want to be married to myself that's for sure!
@BoomBarian in the beginning we had to work hard. We express ourselves so differently -- I tend to be a hot head and he's more levelheaded in life. But then he's ocd about cleaning etc. it took us time to figure each other out. The best thing we did was figure out each other's love languages because we couldn't figure out why the other wasn't feeling appreciated. My love language is quality time and affection (he has to hang out with me and touch me) and his is words of affirmation and acts of service (I have to express what I appreciate about him and do chores to make him happy). While this all seemed annoying at first it actually made things really easy as we understood what the other needed. It's a quick quiz online (and a book too) but it really has changed our relationship and made it easier for us to directly express what we need.
I really like that you knew it was worth fighting for when you both agreed to counseling. That makes me hopeful! And what an interesting place for you both to get at that if you DON"T talk to each other, you will fare better in the relationship. That is probably pretty rare and usually the opposite of relationship advice. I'm glad you found something that works for you and I thank you for your advice!
Yeah, it was really strange. We truly thought that we were awful communicators. We would talk and talk and talk about something and it would just lead to more and more fighting. I grew up thinking that the key to a successful relationship is talking things through and coming to an understanding. But, we never could. The funny thing is that we kinda figured it out on accident. Our first therapy assignment was to not talk about things until we got to therapy. By the time we'd get to therapy, we would have already resolved things - we would both recognize our part in things and apologize...we just needed the space to remove ourselves from the emotional reactions.
I'm so curious about your relationship - what is is that is never up to par (your previous post)? I think @elmann1 is right - if the really big picture things are there, and your values and morals align, then I think it can work. The religion thing seems tricky - both my husband and I are atheists, so we don't have to worry about it, but I could see how a Riot Girrrl Athiest would have a tough time with a Conservative Christian. I bet you have similar values, despite the difference - like personal freedom, being kind to others, etc.
In regards to the 'up to par' stuff: He says he'll quit smoking, he doesn't ( I mean he makes a big production about throwing away his pack and swearing on his un-born baby only to go buy smokes the next day); he is awful with money and CAN NOT budget, but sincerely goes on about how successful he is; he is an Executive Head Chef that the media contacts often and he goes on record about how healthy, organic, and local are where it's at, and then he eats Taco Bell, chugs Red Bulls, and orders cheap pizzas ALL THE TIME; he judges those who 'sin' and quotes the Bible, but only if it's convenient-he works for a major hippy and openly celebrated the SCOTUS marriage ruling, yet thinks homosexuality is abnormal...he is a hypocrite and a bit fake.
He loves to project an image of himself that doesn't line up with his beliefs and when I call him on it, he really considers what I say, feels guilty and tries to change his behavior. I think it's great that an almost 40 year old is willing to change, but I'm already raising a nine-year old, I don't have time to help a man grow up also. (Am I a bitch for that?) The thing is, he is never malicious. Everything he does comes from a genuinely naive place-I think me typing that statement proves I don't consider us equals.
( @bbiutmcph I didn't mean to hi-jack this thread! I thought hearing everyone's differences and how they made it work would be inspiring! I'm a SS and it's all about me!)
We're definitely opposites. He's a long-haired, tattooed metal-head who considers himself agnostic and would probably describe his political beliefs as somewhere between apathetic and anarchist. He's an extrovert, but likes to spend his free time off work at home relaxing. He's more a "go with the flow" type and doesn't do long-term planning much because plans always change. I'm an introvert, I like order, predictability, and if I could have the next 10 years planned out to the hour I would. I'm a practicing Christian, libertarian-ish politically and I can't stand some of the music my husband listens to (like grindcore, death metal, etc). Which is fine since he hates country, which I love.
However, we have many similarities, and we share the same dreams and values other than our religious beliefs. We both want to live fairly simply, we're not super-materialistic, we don't care if we're ever rich as long as we can get by, and we both love the outdoors (except when it's hot).
To answer @BoomBarian, it's hard work, but I think all relationships are. It's hard when you're dealing with opposite personalities or different religious beliefs, but as long as those things aren't deal-breakers, it can work. I always thought I'd marry someone who shares my religious convictions, but my husband understands me in a way no one else ever has (and even he doesn't understand me sometimes!). Sometimes, in a marriage or long-term relationship, you'll learn along the way that the other person is even more different than you than you thought, but I believe you can still make it work. My husband and I work to find our common ground rather than focusing on our differences.
@BoomBarian That part is all about compromise and communication. My family is Catholic, so on Christmas we're big on the Virgin Mary. DH's parents are not religious at all, they celebrate Winter Solstice the way we celebrate Christmas. His parents make it clear how much they disagree with religion. but DH and I are both open minded and celebrate both of our beliefs, and we make it clear that we have no knowledge of them but do it to make the other happy. I feel like its only fair to celebrate what we both up grew up with. It's mostly to make him happy, even though sometimes I don't agree with it (we always end up having a great time regardless!) Sometimes, I have to remind myself that it's DH and I against the world, not DH, his family/my family and I against the world. Also, its ok to have differing beliefs, but in a relationship you'll have to experience a bit of each others perspective.
We definitely need to work on that perspective part. I think his version of religion is judgmental and hypocritical whereas he thinks if I read my tarot, I'm a witch.
By the by, I love the Virgin Mary. I collect so much that is associated with her and wear a Sacred Heart Virgin Mary necklace almost everyday. I love her imagery and purity, believe it or not! ( I have studied a few religions and can find the beauty in most-but my partner's version seems like he doesn't even know what he is talking about.)
@BoomBarian in the beginning we had to work hard. We express ourselves so differently -- I tend to be a hot head and he's more levelheaded in life. But then he's ocd about cleaning etc. it took us time to figure each other out. The best thing we did was figure out each other's love languages because we couldn't figure out why the other wasn't feeling appreciated. My love language is quality time and affection (he has to hang out with me and touch me) and his is words of affirmation and acts of service (I have to express what I appreciate about him and do chores to make him happy). While this all seemed annoying at first it actually made things really easy as we understood what the other needed. It's a quick quiz online (and a book too) but it really has changed our relationship and made it easier for us to directly express what we need.
We have the book! I express my love with acts of service and he is physically affectionate! Basically he needs me to paw at him and I need him to do the freaking dishes to prove the love. I have not got into the book too deep because it seems cheesy, but maybe I'll give it another go.
@MamaOwl15, your post is so touching, I wish I was dating you two! You made some excellent points and I can relate to your situation, except I'm the metal head and my SO is the...not metal-head.
What are the deal-breakers, though? I asked my SO once if I organized a pro-abortion rally if he would attend and support me and he couldn't answer. (Not far-fetched-I plan on working for Planned Parenthood.) Will I be fine being an activist for a cause my SO didn't support? What do you think? Would any of you?
@BoomBarian in the beginning we had to work hard. We express ourselves so differently -- I tend to be a hot head and he's more levelheaded in life. But then he's ocd about cleaning etc. it took us time to figure each other out. The best thing we did was figure out each other's love languages because we couldn't figure out why the other wasn't feeling appreciated. My love language is quality time and affection (he has to hang out with me and touch me) and his is words of affirmation and acts of service (I have to express what I appreciate about him and do chores to make him happy). While this all seemed annoying at first it actually made things really easy as we understood what the other needed. It's a quick quiz online (and a book too) but it really has changed our relationship and made it easier for us to directly express what we need.
We have the book! I express my love with acts of service and he is physically affectionate! Basically he needs me to paw at him and I need him to do the freaking dishes to prove the love. I have not got into the book too deep because it seems cheesy, but maybe I'll give it another go.
I didn't read the book I just used the online quiz and description. I could relate to some of what you said about your husbands business and being a hypocrite. My husband used to tell people he has a background in construction (he's a building inspector) I'm very literal so I asked him what exactly he has constructed? He didn't get it because he believes he works in the construction industry. After a while of hounding him he changed his pitch and now we laugh about it. Sometimes he is just clueless of the line between reality vs sales pitch.
Pregnancy is such a challenging time emotionally for us all so I definitely feel for you!
We are TOTAL opposites !! I'm super talkative and social. He's extremely shy and quiet. I'm a huge worrier. He's always telling me not to worry. I'm a get up and go person. He takes longer then me to get ready. I'm super organized. He's so unorganized. I try to give him a say. He gives me final say. (which drives me crazy sometimes.) I'm not a cuddly person while I'm sleeping. He try's to bear hug me while we sleep.
It's so funny when we try to agree on something to do, he always says "whatever you want". Sometimes it drives me nuts like hello just make plans for us.
Our values are all the same but our personalities are complete opposites. We took personality tests together and literally had the most opposite types possible. We both like it this way and enjoy being pushed to grow by one another. I feel like I needed his personality to force me to budge at all
We are pretty opposite. My husband is the life of the party, funny, super smart, has no issues talking to people or making friends while I'm more shy and ackward. I'm more patient, organized, a planner while he's a pretty fly by the seat of your pants, live in the moment kind of guy. When it comes to the kids he's a major push over, softie and acts like a big kid always the playmate where I'm more structured, nurturing and concerned about health and safety. We do share a lot of common interests though and I believe balance each other well. I think I'll keep him
Re: Opposites Attract or Two of a kind
We are opposites in other big ways, though. I'm an introvert, he's an extrovert. I'm detail-oriented and love doing things like budgeting. If he were left to his own devices, his savings account would be cash under his mattress. I will no doubt be ready to bubble wrap our child, he will be ready to take her mountain biking asap. All in all, we balance each other out quite well while being on the same page about a lot of important stuff.
He's very methodical, over planner and super organized. For example: after he proposed to me we went to lunch where he busted out excel spreadsheets with several 5 year plan options. What a romantic.
I am more laid back when it comes to big picture thinking but can tell you where any thing is in our house any any given moment and am the family calendar keeper.
We have the same awkward sense of humor and generally just like to hang out with each other instead of other people.
Yeah, it was really strange. We truly thought that we were awful communicators. We would talk and talk and talk about something and it would just lead to more and more fighting. I grew up thinking that the key to a successful relationship is talking things through and coming to an understanding. But, we never could. The funny thing is that we kinda figured it out on accident. Our first therapy assignment was to not talk about things until we got to therapy. By the time we'd get to therapy, we would have already resolved things - we would both recognize our part in things and apologize...we just needed the space to remove ourselves from the emotional reactions.
Our personalities are similar, we enjoy the same things and have the same views and values. There's definitely things that are very different about us. DH is more of a "go-with-the-flow" kind of person, and I like to plan things out. He's a spender and I'm a saver. I have an anxiety disorder and he is my calm. We're both creative but in different formats; I bake and he does art, wood and metalworking. I'm not very "domestic" (aside from cooking) he can do all of that and is really handy which I love. Anything any one of us doesn't know how to do, the other does so we truly complete each other. He's my soul mate.
I'm an introvert, I like order, predictability, and if I could have the next 10 years planned out to the hour I would. I'm a practicing Christian, libertarian-ish politically and I can't stand some of the music my husband listens to (like grindcore, death metal, etc). Which is fine since he hates country, which I love.
However, we have many similarities, and we share the same dreams and values other than our religious beliefs. We both want to live fairly simply, we're not super-materialistic, we don't care if we're ever rich as long as we can get by, and we both love the outdoors (except when it's hot).
To answer @BoomBarian, it's hard work, but I think all relationships are. It's hard when you're dealing with opposite personalities or different religious beliefs, but as long as those things aren't deal-breakers, it can work. I always thought I'd marry someone who shares my religious convictions, but my husband understands me in a way no one else ever has (and even he doesn't understand me sometimes!). Sometimes, in a marriage or long-term relationship, you'll learn along the way that the other person is even more different than you than you thought, but I believe you can still make it work. My husband and I work to find our common ground rather than focusing on our differences.
I didn't read the book I just used the online quiz and description. I could relate to some of what you said about your husbands business and being a hypocrite. My husband used to tell people he has a background in construction (he's a building inspector) I'm very literal so
I asked him what exactly he has constructed? He didn't get it because he believes he works in the construction industry. After a while of hounding him he changed his pitch and now we laugh about it. Sometimes he is just clueless of the line between reality vs sales pitch.
Pregnancy is such a challenging time emotionally for us all so I definitely feel for you!
I'm super talkative and social.
He's extremely shy and quiet.
I'm a huge worrier.
He's always telling me not to worry.
I'm a get up and go person.
He takes longer then me to get ready.
I'm super organized.
He's so unorganized.
I try to give him a say.
He gives me final say. (which drives me crazy sometimes.)
I'm not a cuddly person while I'm sleeping.
He try's to bear hug me while we sleep.
It's so funny when we try to agree on something to do, he always says "whatever you want". Sometimes it drives me nuts like hello just make plans for us.