The law of attraction.....or Do opposites attract?

Peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, oil and vinegar, thunder and lightning, none of these would be the same without the other.

The philosophical idea that "like attracts like" may fall true for many aspects of life as many friendships are formed and forged because of the similarities of one another. In the same aspect many relationships are formed because of the commonality that initially
brings a couple together. Similarities in lifestyle, likes and dislikes in particular things, and beliefs are a few things that spark and keep an interest in someone.

Or do opposites really attract?

There are also plenty of friendships and relationships where opposition is often the sole attraction that brought the two together. Studies show that long term relationships in which opposites were the initial reason for attraction only last if similar personalities exist. Providing that opposites attract (but do not prevail) there must be similarities in each individual’s personality while their attitudes, beliefs, and values are factors that can be agreed upon.

When it comes to race does either of these theories hold any truth?

As a Black woman (who to the naked eye would be most commonly be referred to as "light skinned") I have always been attracted to darker skinned black men. There was always this intriguing aspect that reeled me in; not necessarily providing for what I was lacking but more for what I felt complemented me. There was always a physical aspect or a "type" I sought out; the tall, dark, and handsome fairytale that so many women await.

At times, I wouldn’t look twice at any man who pursued me and wasn't darker than I was. I'd refer to them as my "brother" and would justify it by jokingly saying “we just look too much alike" because of our complexions. Being a woman who always felt there was a need to prove her "Blackness" I wonder if this is a direct correlation with trying to fit in. I’ve known many people of mixed race who gravitate towards one side more than the other, but why? Is it for acceptance by the side that you really always wanted to be more a part of or is there some other unseen force at work?