Similar in character I think would last longer though I believe mutual understanding, respect, and thoughtfulness make a big difference.

I believe two lovers must at first be friends. Friendship in a romantic relationship always lasts longer. I say this because most of the time we think we own our partner which creates unreasonable expectations and reduce our receptiveness. Friends usually avoid thinking like that. They respect eachother's independence and boundaries. They listen to eachother and provide support without being judgemental. The worst part of a relationship, I think, is when one cannot talk easily to his/her partner because he/she's afraid of him/her being all overprotective, judgemental, and overreacting.

I think the best statement you could hear in a relationship is "I'm so happy I have found a person like you that I could share everything that happens in my life with and you being supportive and all."

similar enough to relate to each other, but different enough to inspire each other and keep it interesting ...

I think the whole idea of opposites attracting got overblown because of the "fun" of imagining that it was true, rather than because of any real factual observations.

I think that as usual, reality is sort of boring, in a way. People get along best, when what they want, is what their mate gives them.

What that is, can be "sneaky" sometimes, as in not immediately obvious, hence some of the notions like opposites attracting. And it can get more confusing, when you add in the factor that many of us don't correctly IDENTIFY what we want, for a long time.

You might think you want someone strong, for example, and because you don't completely understand what "strong" looks like, you can lose a lot of time chasing people who are actually violent, or paranoid, or even just hung up on weightlifting.

Some people who are similar, find each other boring because of the similarities. Others find that comforting.

Actual opposites attracting seems to be very rare. Most of the time, when you look closely, you find that the so-called opposites are not so at all.

yep all of one or the other tends to not work so well.
the differences tend to get you to try new stuff but the similarities give the comfort and closeness

I am alone so there obviously isn't a type for me. I'm too strange, too different so nobody really relates.
As for others, I'm really easy to get along with. I can usually blend with nearly anyone as long as they have some morals and values that coincide with mine.
What I don't do well is play those games where someone tries to manipulate me to try to force me to do something I don't want to do.
While I can let someone be themselves and accept them, I have yet to meet anyone that can accept me and let me be myself.

Could be both, depends on karma :))

I've done the opposites attract thing. The beginning was good and exciting. But over time the differences were just to much for both of us. Next time I want someone who shares my interests.

Intelligent conversation on goals in life and what's his values! Tall , and clean hygiene.

What Peggy said

Major goals, beliefs, morals have to be, if not the same, than enough similar so they won't be the source of problems, as a matter of fact it can be just the opposite, something that connects you even when other minor things are difficult to deal with.

There can be differences in our interests, who says we have to be the same - but I think it's better to have at least one, maybe two mutual interests - that keep us working as a team and strengthen the bond.

I would surely go for good old golden middle way.

Have a great day, Sceptical

Hmm... that's a good question I'm struggling with this dilemma myself is it best to be with somebody similar as yourself or somebody totally opposite..

Example one person is strong emotionally the other person emotionally weak sensitive touchy feely...
The sensitive one is strong as well but just shows sensitivity more openly.. then the other person... sometimes that can be irritating for the other person having a partner that is maybe overly sensitive sometimes... but then again shouldn't two people be who they are.. do you really want to go through life not being Who You Are.. are being with a partner that can't accept who you are sometimes.. I would rather be with a partner that would think my sensitivity my romantic side my vulnerable side is endearing. Rather than a hindrance a irritation

Someone who can cope with my stubborn defiant nature

Similar in character I think would last longer though I believe mutual understanding, respect, and thoughtfulness make a big difference.

I believe two lovers must at first be friends. Friendship in a romantic relationship always lasts longer. I say this because most of the time we think we own our partner which creates unreasonable expectations and reduce our receptiveness. Friends usually avoid thinking like that. They respect eachother's independence and boundaries. They listen to eachother and provide support without being judgemental. The worst part of a relationship, I think, is when one cannot talk easily to his/her partner because he/she's afraid of him/her being all overprotective, judgemental, and overreacting.

I think the best statement you could hear in a relationship is "I'm so happy I have found a person like you that I could share everything that happens in my life with and you being supportive and all."

A home needs a strong foundation or it will crumble. I believe relationships are the same way. Similar core values, mutual respect, self respect, compassion and thoughtfulness are important key ingredients to a strong, lasting relationship.

then all or nothing does not really apply when we desire to be with the person that we seek. there would and should be a balance if not then we should just give up the whole relationship thing. that thought is comforting eric

Oh, also wondering if falling for this 'opposites attract' is an age thing? Or maybe more of a 'having been around the block a few times and having learnt your lesson' thing?
Saying this, because I don't think opposites attract me anymore. Maybe you only have this when you still have to learn certain things about yourself? After all, someone who's opposite will mirror you on issues. Mirroring can be highly annoying, upsetting, painful, but it is also a means to grow, provided you learn from what is being triggered.
So maybe when you get a wee bit older, and have learnt enough, you don't feel the appeal of opposites anymore?
Where I am now, I feel an 'opposite' would irritate me from the get go.

whoa there nelly. i NEVER said give up on relationships
even relationships that don't end with happily ever after have value. and there is never any guarantee that any will get there. if you do ultimately want happily ever after, you keep stepping out onto that relationship limb. the trick is learning to step off of the ones that are too weak before they break