My hubby and I are complete opposites. He’s an early riser; I’m a night owl. He’s generous; I’m frugal. He loves being in the spotlight and talking to people; I’m an introverted writer. You get the picture. ;) It’s a wonder we get along, but ironically and amazingly enough, the ways in which we are different are the very things that draw us to each other. We are like two magnets of opposite polarities that want—or better yet, need—the other person.
This doesn’t mean we always appreciate one another. There’s been a lot of head-scratching moments during our marriage as we’ve learned how to adapt to and accept our differences. It’s taken me many years to understand him and why he does things the way he does, and vice versa. But by God’s grace, we’ve become better spouses as a result and no longer drive each other crazy (most of the time anyway!).
Since I live the opposites attract trope in my marriage, I love incorporating it into my stories. I even included a real-life conflict that my hubby and I had over how to load the dishwasher in my book, Drawn to You. Sammie and Lucas are complete opposites; she’s a free-spirited artist and he’s a rule-abiding police officer. You can imagine the sparks that ignite between them!
Here’s an excerpt that shows just how well they drive each other crazy:
Lucas was learning a lot about the woman Sam had become, and perhaps she was right. He did have some misconceptions about her. Despite her unique taste in hairstyle and clothing, she had a lot going on inside of her that showed depth and—dare he say it—maturity. From what his mother-in-law told him, she demonstrated a great amount of patience in coaxing Lucy out of her shell. And her simple words earlier had reinstilled hope in his daughter’s heart. He couldn’t thank her enough.
He walked over and rested one elbow on the granite countertop. “You don’t have to do that. I don’t make my guests work for their meals,” he joked. “I always clean up after Lucy goes to bed.”
“No problem, I’m about done. I’m used to doing grunt work at my parents’ restaurant. I’m just not used to so much metal.” She aimed a handful of forks and knives in his direction. “We only give out chopsticks and a few serving spoons.”
He raised his hands. “Why don’t you set those down. I’ll take care of them.”
“Do you want me to back away slowly, too?” She took the heads of the utensils with her other hand and pointed the handles in his direction. “I wasn’t going to hurt you.”
“One can never be too careful,” he quipped as he took them from her.
She wiped her hands on her shorts and stepped away. “But one can be too paranoid.”
“I heard that, Sammie Koo.” He gave her a pointed look as he picked up another handful of utensils from the sink before bending over the dishwasher. He took care in placing each fork, spoon and knife into different slots of the utensil holder.
Sam scowled. “Are you sorting them by type?”
He dropped the last spoon into place and straightened. “Of course. It makes the process of putting them away more efficient.” He grunted, then picked up a plate from the lower rack and placed it on the top one. He rearranged the rest of the dishes until all the plates and bowls faced the same direction. With a satisfied smile, he added a detergent packet, closed the door, and turned the machine on. “All set.”
Crossing her arms over her halter top, she glared at him.
“What? What’s wrong?”
“I spent ten minutes loading the dishwasher and you just changed it all. What was wrong with the way I did it?”
“Nothing. I just have a certain method that makes sense to me.”
“My way wasn’t good enough?”
“I didn’t say that. But, to be honest, my way is better.” He couldn’t help it. Goading Sam was not the most mature thing for him to do, but it was so enjoyable. And the way her cheeks flushed in annoyance made her look even more beautiful.
Can’t you just feel the sparks? :) Sammie and Lucas are one of my favorite fictional couples, probably because they remind me so much of my hubby and me.
Tell me, do you believe opposites attract? I’d love to hear what you think! I look forward to reading your answers.
Giveaway: I’d like to give away one digital copy of Drawn to You. One winner will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Sunday, February 18th.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Hi Liwen, I love Sammie and Lucas and the dishwasher scene was great- I stack my cutlery like Lucas does, my husband like Sammie!! I do believe opposites attract, but definitely believe that you need to be patient with each other to understand where each one is coming from. Keep writing:)
Blessings:)
My wife and I are opposites as well but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Being opposites we compliment each other and make each of us better people. Hope your book does well.
Hi Liwen! Yes, I believe opposites attract. You already mentioned some differences. Another is neat and not so neat. Or living a simplified life or being a collector. Then there are food differences or arts vs. sports, choice of music. My husband likes Bach. While I enjoy classical musical, I prefer instrumental – no singing; plus more contemporary music. Nobody in our family sorts silverware like your husband. Another difference for silverware is handles down. My son does it that way, because his dishwasher fails to wash silverware well if silverware is crammed together in the basket. Marriage is a learning process of give and take. Nice discussion topic today. Thanks for the blog. Best wishes and Happy Valentine’s Day.
I can really relate to the dishwasher story! I would love to read your book!
My hubby and I are the same! He’s a morning person and I’m a night owl, he’s the extrovert and I’m the introvert, he has a hard time sitting still and I love to sit and read or watch the world around me. We definitely fit each other perfectly and compliment each other’s missing pieces! I love it.
My husband does not like to fill the dishwasher because I move things around afterwards. I can’t help it though. I totally get this scene. ?
Hubby’s the night owl, I’m the morning person (so long as it’s not too early!!!). We’re opposites in a lot of ways, but we’re both introverts, so neither is badgering the other to go out all the time.
Hi Wemble! Haha, yay for another cutlery sorter person (I’m like Lucas, too). ;) And yes, patience is key to a lasting marriage! Thanks for your encouragement. <3
Hi Mason! So nice to hear a man’s perspective here on the blog. :) Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hi Renate! Oh boy, there are so many differences like you mentioned. I’m actually the one who sorts the silverware in our family (Lucas was based off me, haha). And I do handles down, too. ;) Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too!
Hi Lori! :) Haha, good to know I’m not the only one with dishwasher struggles. LOL
Hi Susan! Aww, isn’t it amazing how well opposites work together? I love what you said about the missing pieces. :)
Hi Tammy! Haha, that’s great! So glad you can relate. :)
Hi Valerie! Two introverts? That works out nicely, especially when you want to read or write. :)
My husband and I are opposite in a lot of ways. We are able to make it work with the things we have in common our faith, family, and acceptance that neither is wrong, we just see things in a different way.
Thanks for the excerpt! Sammy and Lucas are so fun together!
what a wonderful post. my parents were so totally opposites. But they made their marriage work so well for over 50 years. My husbands parents were opposite I’m many ways and they had a great marriage also. My husband and I are opposite in some areas and so alike in other areas. We are making our marriage work also. Christ is the center and that is so what helps with all of these marriages.
Oh, I am not interested in the e-book. I am just not reading my kindle much lately.
So go ahead and give it to someone who will enjoy it now.
Hi Lisa! I love how you put it, that neither is wrong, it’s just a different perspective. That’s so important to remember. :)
Hi there! Yes, they are! Thanks so much for reading. :)
Hi Lori! Wow, it’s so wonderful to hear about real-life marriages working out and lasting so long. Thank you for sharing. :)
I already have Drawn to You, so you don’t need to enter me into the drawing. I enjoyed reading it. My husband is like Tammy’s – he seldom puts anything in the dishwasher because I move things around just before I run it to fit the most in :-) I think he and I have more in common than not, although he is an early riser and I’m the night owl.
Hi Margaret! :) It’s so fun to hear about these real-life dishwasher stories. Thanks for reading my books!
There are many ways my husband and I are opposites as well. Over the years we’ve been married, we’ve learned to appreciate that in each other, it’s what makes us a complete person. Wouldn’t it be boring to be married/ dating someone who is just like you? I think I’d drive myself nuts if I had a husband who was exactly like me…lol!
It’s especially nice when there is some problem (not with the marriage) and we have opposing views. He makes me look at it from a different angle or perspective and gives new light to it….and vise versa. I think being opposite isn’t a bad thing, only when you allow it to make you frustrated or angry with each other. We’re all unique and we must accept each other as God made us to be….especially as married couples :-) We need to extend more grace in times of disagreement, as hard as that is to do sometimes! In those times, we aren’t fighting each other but the enemy who wants to destroy our marriage. I also have to remind myself of that very thing…my husband and I are on the same team :-)
I also think being married for as long as I have, the petty stuff don’t matter much anymore. As I’ve learned to accept my husband as God made him, I’ve had a deeper love for him & it’s drawn us together even closer. I’ve learned to look for the good and disregard the bad (or irritating, etc) more. My husband has all the qualities I’ve prayed for and wanted in a spouse!
This book sounds fun! I love opposites attract kind of stories, it makes for some interesting sparks for sure!
Hi Trixi! Can I say amen to everything you said? :) I agree that it’d be crazy hard to be married to someone exactly like me. Lol. Thanks for commenting and sharing your experiences!
Growing up my mom had a specific way that the dishwasher was to be loaded and as I’ve had occasion to be in other’s houses I find it interesting to see how differently they load their dishwasher. I’m definitely closer to Lucas than to Sammie.
Hi Jessica! Yes, it’s funny how many people can relate to this dishwasher scene. I’m more of a Lucas myself. ;) Thanks for commenting!
I do think opposites attract. I’ve seen some where they complement each other and then I have seen others who consistently bump heads. So my analysis, if it works, it’s wonderful, but it doesn’t matter if you are opposites or not, every marriage has to have a give and take attitude. But the most important thing for a beautiful marriage, is putting God first.
Yes, opposites can attract. My parents are complete opposites and are together still after 58 years. I know other couples who are also opposites.
I don’t think that that is the only factor involved in the lasting quality of their marriage. I believe they have both desired to put God first and themselves second, working at making their marriage honorable and glorifying to Him.
I look forward to reading your book!
Blessings,
Linda
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Kathy! Thanks for commenting. :)
Wow, what a beautiful example of lasting love that your parents have, Linda! Thanks for sharing.