The Barbenheimer dating trend proves opposites attract

On July 21, scores of film fans are planning on enjoying ‘Barbenheimer’; heading to the cinema for the release of both Barbie and Oppenheimer to watch the movies back-to-back.

And now, in the same way Barbiecore infiltrated everything from our home decor to our wardrobes, Barbenheimer itself has become a lifestyle trend.

In the dating world for example, the newly-coined Barbenheimer effect describes seeking out partners who are completely different from yourself.

Like an updated version of the old ‘opposites attract’ adage, the term highlights the contrast between the two films.

Where Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is all about candy-hued life in plastic perfection, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer showcases a far darker and harsher view (both in terms of theme and colour palette).

As such, the trend asks daters to consider looking outside of their usual ‘type’ and opening themselves up to a wider range of matches.

By adding a little Barbenheimer contrast to your love life, experts say you’re more likely to find a partner who complements you, leading to personal growth and a stronger relationship.

‘Whilst dating outside your usual type can be new or intimidating to some, it can connect you to someone who pushes you to become the best possible version of yourself,’ Emma Hathorn from dating app Seeking tells Indy100.

From Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker to Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly, there are plenty of examples of this in the celebrity world. But are such noticeable aesthetic differences too big an obstacle for most to overcome?

According to Emma, ‘contrary views and beliefs are likely to arise at some point’ in a Barbenheimer pairing, which may lead to confrontation.

However, she claims that getting through these surface-level quarrels are ‘the greatest route to evolving your own maturity, and how you view others who are different from yourself.’

Emma adds: ‘On a physical level, the spark is unlikely to fizzle – it’s a dynamic coupling that fosters a continuous honeymoon period due to the allure of exploring unknown territories.’

So, before the next time you instinctively swipe left, consider giving that goth guy or pink princess a chance. You may just like it.

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