The age-old question do opposites attract? In the midst of the pandemic, I have entered into a new relationship. Although just being on the market a few months ago, I’ve known her for a good part of a year now, and we share the same friends. I wonder to myself how did I end up in this position. I’m the furthest thing away from disappointed, but here’s a secret about myself. As many can relate, I’ve grown up being the quiet one in the group. I tend to keep to myself and only express myself when I feel comfortable. I go with the flow and often lean on other people when it comes to decisions. That being said, I’m not much of a flirt. That’s what I mean when I ask how did I end up in this position. At this point, you would be correct assuming I wasn’t the one initiating the mingleation. We hung around each other from time to time, and a relationship eventually bloomed from a friendship.

I knew we were different in the sense of being reserved. She’s direct and never gives a second thought when pursuing a conversation. On the other hand, I tend to approach circumstances cautiously, almost overthinking situations. Although I knew her for a while, I quickly found out more about her as the days passed. Little differences between each other started to appear.

One day we were downtown, on a whim, she was inclined to buy new shoes. The shoes in question are common and can be found at multiple retailers. Without trying them on or checking the price she purchased them. The world is not imploding because of this purchase. To the majority, this sequence of events is very normal, but growing up my mom was very thrifty. She often searched for the best prices possible, and frequently repaired or refurbished items. Being raised in my mom’s house I inherited this ideology. As a result, I routinely shop at consignment stores. I’m not appalled or against shopping at retail stores. I simply enjoy laying out all my options before concluding and enjoy getting the best bang for my buck.

She lives in the moment, without the thought of future regret. This is her life and she lives at her own pace. Saying one way to live is better than the other comes down to personal opinion. This balance of caution and spontaneity works in unison. We are not polar opposites. Both of us enjoy many of the same things. More often than not we are too busy sharing similar interests, but when an opposite attribute emerges we take notice because it’s irregular. Like many, we aren’t attracted to each other because we are opposites but on occasion piggyback on each other in times of discomfort. In time hopefully, I inherit some of her attributes. Adapting and learning from life so I can add pieces to make my puzzle whole.