Date: Jan 22, 2026
Brains vs. Beliefs: Debunking Psychological Misconceptions
Episode 3: Opposites Attract

In this episode of Brains vs. Beliefs, Emily and Karla dive into the long-standing idea that successful relationships thrive on difference. From Hallmark movies to Paula Abdul’s famous song, the relationship advice “opposites attract” seems everywhere. What does the science actually say? Drawing on large psychological studies and information from dating platforms, they explore whether similarity or complementarity matters more for long-term relationship success. The hosts also unpack why this myth persists in media, influencer culture, and self-help advice, offering listeners key takeaways about what really drives attraction.

You can find references for this episode and information about psychological science at our website, https://www.communicatingpsychologicalscience.com/. Use the Contact page to share your thoughts on this episode and other topics that you'd like us to cover. Thanks for listening!