Psychologists have been interested in ties between people who are very different physically for hundreds of years. These unions go against our normal tendency toward homogamy, which means looking for partners who are like us.
Researchers think that our desire for balance is at the root of our draw to differences. A tall person might be interested in a shorter partner because they think the shorter person is agile and delicate, while the tall person might like the shorter person’s strong presence and sense of security.
In the same way, big differences in weight can be a subconscious way to deal with insecurities or go against social beauty standards. These different qualities in a partner may make up for what a person thinks they lack, showing how complicated the dance of human emotions is.
People are attracted to each other for reasons that have nothing to do with their looks. Contrast couples show how complex and diverse our emotional and psychological needs are, which is why relationships are so beautiful.
These out-of-the-box pairings make us question our prejudices and appreciate the unique traits that make each person unique. By recognizing how complicated attraction is, we can better understand and value the many kinds of partnerships and love that exist.
