Alike or Complementary?

We have an innate tendency to associate with the like-minded. Recently, we have seen thinkers and writers refer to the dangers of inhabiting an echo chamber, where you meet people like yourself and never hear views divergent from your own. And how does this translate in relationships? I have heard songs of love, where it seems desirable for one to become dyed in the hues of the other, till they are no longer separate.

All of us know of some truly successful partnerships. We have all envied some enduring and emulation-worthy relationships. We can agree that each, increasingly rare, alliance has been nurtured and supported and strengthened over a period of time. But does the secret lie in the ingredients that came together in the first place or do trials and tribulations strengthen all bonds, as storms test oaks and fire tempers steel?

Perhaps similarity is overrated and complementarity is more desirable. We know that design is created from parts that may be different but they fit, sometimes in surprising ways. Still, I feel at some deep and innate level, the fabric must be similar (at least not jarring) even though structures might vary. Maybe, even between the seemingly disparate, patterns become more beautiful as colors meld and configurations grow more familiar…

Eventually: “We take our colors chameleon-like from each other” Nicolas de Chamfort, writer (1741-1794)

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