We've all heard (and perhaps lived by) the motto: opposites attract. Maybe we've only leaned on this old cliche in order to quiet naysayers and excuse an illogical attraction to somebody so obviously wrong. Opposites Attract When It Comes To Spending Money

A recent study by the University of Michigan proves (once again) that when it comes to spending and saving, those with a strong inclination to either financial style end up attracted to their opposite.

Out of a pool of 1,000 married and unmarried adults, the researcher found this attraction has roots in the individual's discomfort in his/her own ways. In other words, spendthrifts who feel extreme guilt for their extravagant ways tend to be attracted penny pinchers. A wild shopper who beats herself up for collecting racks of pricey shoes may find solace in the coupon-cutting mate who rationalizes holes in his sneakers in lieu of a heftier savings account.

While these opposing actions may cause electricity at first, the team found that risks for marital disputes increased depending on how stark the spending differences.

The bigger picture in all of this? We tend to be pretty clueless when it comes to deciding what we want. While we may make lists, and reject prospective suitors based on these lists, our initial reactions and attractions might not result in happily ever after.

"People tend to have poor introspective awareness of what they will initially find attractive when actually encountering potential mates," Scott Rick of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business said. "Our findings are consistent with the commonly observed disconnect between what people say they look for in an ideal mate and the characteristics of actual mates to whom they are attracted." 7 Self-Punishments For Infidelity