Nearly half of adults admit their partner is ‘not their type on paper'

New York Post

18-07-2025

Four in 10 adults admit their partner is 'not their type on paper' – but are happy in their relationship anyway.
A poll of 2,000 coupled-up adults found 57 percent firmly believe in the adage of 'opposites attract.'
The most common opposing compatibilities were found to be around temperature, with one person always being cold – and the other running hot – and money, with one being a saver while the other prefers to spend.
Other ways couples feel they are opposites include around sweet and savoury preferences, big night out versus a quiet night in, and being an early bird or a night owl.
It also emerged that 92 percent feel their current beau has at least one key personality trait that's totally the opposite to their own, with seven percent admitting they have 10 or more differences.
6 Four in 10 adults admit their partner is 'not their type on paper,' but are happy in their relationship anyway.
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A spokesperson for Tim Tam, which commissioned the study to launch its new Sweet & Salty biscuit, said: 'It's official, opposites do attract – whether that's in relationships or with food.
'But it is surprising to see just how many couples feel they're not totally in sync with the person they're with.
'This can come in many different forms, from what football teams you support to what you like to eat for dinner on a Sunday night.
'Compromise is often the name of the game, whether that's in what activities you do or what you eat – so our Sweet & Salty biscuit is hopefully going to help save some arguments.'
6 A poll of 2,000 coupled-up adults found 57 percent firmly believe in the adage of 'opposites attract.'
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Other opposing traits couples have included one being a Christmas lover, while the other is a 'Grinch' (12 percent).
While 24 percent felt one half of the duo is an early bird, up with the sunrise, while the other takes a lot longer to get out of bed.
But 28 percent said they and their partner are 'alike in all the right ways,' while 66 percent of those with varying views said it 'keeps things interesting.'
It also emerged that 64 percent of those who have been with someone opposite to them were surprised they'd ended up with such a partner.
6 Other ways couples feel they are opposites include around sweet and savoury preferences, big night out versus a quiet night in, and being an early bird or a night owl.
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With the areas in which partners most diverge revealed to be social life (35 percent), tidiness (32 percent), and communication styles (32 percent.)
And only a fifth (21 percent) felt that they and their partner are in complete alignment from a political perspective.
28 percent most often differ in preferences when it comes to food, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
As a result of this, 16 percent often have disagreements over what takeaway to get or what to have for dinner.
With 30 percent tucking into different meals in one sitting because they can't agree on what to eat, and 26 percent even ordering from different takeaway restaurants.
6 28 percent said they and their partner are 'alike in all the right ways,' while 66 percent of those with varying views said it 'keeps things interesting.'
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The spokesperson for Tim Tam, which is launching its limited-edition Sweet & Salty biscuit exclusively in Tesco, added: 'Being with someone who sees the world differently, has different strengths, or approaches life in another way can bring fresh perspectives into a relationship.
'It encourages both partners to grow, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another.
'When two people are different, they often complement each other in unexpected ways.
'These contrasts can help strike a balance and create a dynamic that works uniquely for them.'
TOP 25 WAYS PARTNERS DIFFER FROM EACH OTHER:
1. One's always cold, the other's always hot
2. One likes to save money, and the other likes to spend it
3. One plans everything weeks in advance, the other makes it up as they go
4. One's an early bird, the other's a night owl
6 'Being with someone who sees the world differently, has different strengths, or approaches life in another way can bring fresh perspectives into a relationship,' said a spokesperson for Tim Tam.
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5. One loves talking about feelings, the other keeps things bottled up
6. One loves a lie-in, the other's up with the sunrise
7. One's a chatterbox, the other's all about quiet
8. One's tidy to the point of obsession, the other leaves a trail behind them
9. One loves big social gatherings, the other prefers one-on-one chats
10. One loves spicy food, the other can't handle a hint of heat
11. One has a sweet tooth, the other prefers savoury
12. One's glued to their phone, the other barely checks it
13. One likes to have a starter while the other prefers dessert
14. One can't start the day without coffee, the other doesn't touch caffeine
6 'When two people are different, they often complement each other in unexpected ways,' the spokesperson continued.
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15. One's a thrill-seeker, the other won't even go on a rollercoaster
16. One's all about spreadsheets, the other just wings it
17. One likes scatter cushions on the bed, the other thinks it's a waste of time
18. One's glued to reality TV, the other only watches documentaries
19. One's obsessed with fitness, the other's 'allergic' to the gym
20. One loves Christmas, the other's a total Grinch
21. One can't stop redecorating, the other hates change
22. One's a dog person, the other's a cat fan
23. One hates sharing food, the other always wants a bite
24. One loves camping under the stars, the other wants five-star hotels only
25. One loves summer holidays in the sun, the other likes winter snow breaks