Opposites DO attract

In class, we we're assigned to write an argumentative essay. This essay was based on relationships and how two people connect to one another. We had to agree on either opposites that attract or two people who are similar to each other. I agree with opposites attract because of my personal experience and what my perspective on my "ideal mate" is. i.e: My boyfriend is the exact opposite of me, yet we share some similar interests and views on politics and our planet. Here's my essay that I've wrote. Please provide any comments or feedback :)


There have been many studies opposing to this topic, however, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. In my opinion, i think some similarities brings two people together, but it’s the opposite things that seal them together. A relationship needs balance, and having differences will balance the two together. I also believe that differences within each other is what draws our attention to one another. Therefore, opposites will attract and produce a more enduring relationship.
According to a personal interview, Mate selection is driven more by a desire to connect with a partner who has characteristics that the other does not possess(Source F ,Winch).  I believe that the differences within each other will draw an interest and attention to one another. In the long run, it will help accept each other and help accept ourselves.
The yin-yang theory is that there’s an aspect for both parties, they create each other, balance each other, and transition into each other(Source G, Calabro). If there’s no ying, there’s no yang. Differences will help find common ground and find existence within. A relationship needs balance, which opposite traits can pursue and become whole.
Each one of us has different qualities and it is precisely these differences that draw us to our potential mates, and truly makes us connect with one another(Source H, Clark). What we admire in each other is our differences and will bring cooperation in a relationship. Differences also benefit by bringing strength in each other and as well as ourselves.

On the other hand, studies on mate selection have consistently found support for the “similarity attraction”. Yet, having a similar partner would be boring. Having the same interests and lifestyle habits means doing the same things and sometimes together. Learning from each others different interest and lifestyle habits may be more exciting than it seems to be. Also, we learn the importance of acceptance which is essential in a relationship and to ourselves.

In addition, a survey states that 92% said yes when similar religious affiliation is a major factor in having a successful marriage. Also, 94% said yes in having similar lifestyle habits contribute to the success of their relationship. On the contrary, mutual adjustments may be made, according to the yin and yang theory. This is one of the principles of transforming into another. There’s always room to make changes for each other.

Furthermore, a professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands claim, that interactions between opposites often do not develop into serious intimate relationships. And if they do, they usually end prematurely. But, every relationship has challenges, and these challenges may be because of the differences. Overcoming these challenges will aid in evolving a spouse into a better person and strengthen them.
In conclusion, I believe that opposites do attract and will always find their way to common ground. Having the same of two people will be too boring to bare in a relationship, which differences can draw the interest and excitement in each other. Also sharing some similarities like religious views, will bring two people together, but having those differences seals the bond together.

Horoscope

Cancer Jun 2 2012: Some role in your life is defined by boundaries. You are expected to do a certain thing a certain way. You may be bored with the routine, but it's the only routine you know so well and going about it a different way might seem risky to you. But if you don't take a chance and explore beyond those boundaries, you could be eternally bored or - worse yet - you could become stagnant. Whether this is at work or in a relationship or any other important area of your life, Moonchild, this is a good week to blaze a trail beyond the fence line. -- Copyright (c) DailyHoroscope. Download it now

Relatable? Accuracy?
From reading my daily horoscope, i find that this horoscope relates to a certain aspect in my life: my boyfriend. He's my bestest friend and my long time lover. He's always been there for me, no matter what. It's just that i've been getting so bored of him, that i'm not ready to settle down like he already has and causes me to want my freedom back.

My boyfriend wears the pants in the relationship. We've been together for three years, live together in a beautiful home that he has built himself for a year now. He's four years older than i am, whom entered the work force right after high school. I on the other hand, go to school and is unemployed.

Everyday is the same routine that consumes my time and energy that revolves around him. In example, the reason why i am unemployed is because i am a full time student which i won't be able to work and be home when he's done with work(the usual 9 to 5 schedule). he would rather support me and to just stay in school than get a job, which i want ohh so badly. With this daily agenda going on, i feel like i don't get to do the things i want to do.

As said in the previous paragraph, i go to school full-time and i am unemployed. It's doesn't do me well going to school and not being able to pay for schooling myself(i do not have a student loan or financial aid). i feel incomplete with just going to school, i really want a job and not depend on my boyfriend. 

My boyfriends job relys on the weather because he does labor work outdoors. When it rains, and i'm in class.. i would have to cut and leave to go back home because he was going to be heading home. this cycle will keep going unless i either get a job or lose my boyfriend. And i want to do both!

In the sum of this mess, i've come to conclude that i strive to be independent and freedom because of boredom in my relationship. Having my daily agenda revolve around only my boyfriend is the problem. I feel tied down to where i can't do anything i want to pursue except for school. When he's home, i have to be home. I guess i'm not ready for commitments. My solution of solving this was to break up with him because we're not on the same page as we used to be. But, i'm hoping that staying with him it will benefit the both of us in the future. We really do love & have faith in each other. I believe that this is meant to be, and that it will always find its way.

Note to reader: This was just a random thought. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated! Any advice is welcomed also lol.

Thirteen Reasons Why By: Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Release Date: October 18, 2007
Publisher: Razor Hill
Hardcover; 288 pages
Literary Awards:
-South Carolina Book Award for Young Adult Book Award(2010)
-Florida Teens Read(2008)
-Georgia Peach Honor Book Award(2009)
-Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice
-California Book Award Winner

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

To start off, i would have to say that this book was difficult to review! I've had to contemplate and figure out a way to put my thoughts into words.  The book itself was okay, but recommending it? Hmm.. Let's review shall we? 

Hannah Baker took her life by overdosing on pills. She recorded 7 tapes with 13 sides. Each side had revealed a reason of why she commited suicide. Those thirteen reasons basically represented thirteen people, which is meant to be passed around within them. This was her way of leaving her message behind and make her message clear. One of the recipients was Clay Jensen. He is the protagonist, the narrator, it's his story, his experience listening through these tapes along with his thoughts. A package arrived at his front porch, a shoe box containing tapes and a map. Once he hit that play button, his life will never be the same. 

I was very excited when i got this book. Let me emphasize that.. I ordered a bunch of books, and out of all of them, i chose to read this one first! When i was done with the book, i was somewhat disappointed-Not my style. To be honest, i don't know why this book gotten so popular. 

The plot was a little unreal. I find that some stories of the people on the list to be unbelieveable. They we're kind of ridiculous and childish because the fact that it was overly-dramatic. In reality, it's what teenagers face in high school every day, so it was too dramatic. There we're malicious reasons in the mixture as well! I had difficulty to sympathize and put myself in the situation of Hannah Baker's character. 

As for the characters, i felt that the characters we're strong and a lot more realistic than Hannah Baker's character. What kept this book in reality was truely the characters.  I love love Clay. He's emotions, his thoughts, and everything about him. He was the most human of them all.  I got so furious when Hannah Baker commited suicide when he didn't get that real chance with her! In the back of my head i'm thinking, you should have gave him a chance! In a way, i wanted to keep reading because of the protagonist ;) 

When it comes to narration, i don't really give a lot of thought about it. But for Jay Asher, he knows the best. I love the narration in this book, it makes it feel real and live. It fits with the story real well. However, i kind of got confused to Hannah Baker's tape with Clay's thoughts together. I literally had to re-read to realize why i misunderstood. But, Jay Asher does know how to create suspense and keep the fire going! I think that the creativity of the narration and suspense was the ONLY reasons why this book kept me going. Very well written!

Although this book had more cons than pros, i still would recommend this book. Suicide is a very serious issue, that can be prevented! I don't think that suicide is ever the right answer, so this book helps keep you in mind to watch how you treat people. Overall, the message of the book saved it all, and what makes this a good read!


My Rating: 4/5

Love Sick By: Jake Coburn

paperback, 240 pages. 
Published September 22nd 2005 By Dutton Juvenile

Ted's drunk-driving accident has ruined his life. it cost him his basketball scholarship, ended his plans for college, and forced him into AA. but just when ted has resigned himself to his new life, Michael appears. the wealthy father of a bulimic Manhattan rich girl has a tempting proposition. He has agreed to pay for ted's college tuition, but there's one catch. ted has to secretly keep tabs on his benefactor's daughter, erica. A seemingly simple task, with only one minor problem: ted never expected to fall in love.

I wasn't absorbed into the book as i expected. Within the first half, i was quite bored to be honest. I felt that it was over detailed about things that didn't need to be detailed, which made me very confused in the beginning. The book started off really slow, but it became worth it after a while.

I find that the novel was an interesting story on Bulimia and Alcoholism.  I've never paid much attention to eating disorders, because i had no relations or interest in it. But, i somewhat learned a lot, especially when a character in the book has Bulimia.

As for the Bulimia part, i like how to author described Binging.  It made me want to purge myself. Excellent!

Now as for characters, i love books that have strong characters who have backgrounds that interest me or relates to me.

Overall, i loved how the Author describes, i love the moral, and the story of this novel.
But it disappointed me about the Romance in this novel. I was expecting a little more than just only drama!

My Rating: 3/5

Before I Die By: Jenny Downham

Published: July 5th 2007 by David Flickling Books
ISBN: 0385613466 (ISBN13: 9780385613460)
Setting: United Kingdom
Literary Awards: ALA Teens' Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2008), Branford Boase Award (2008), The Inky Awards for Silver Inky (2008)

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

Tessa who is 16 years old was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 12 years old.  She finds out that her diagnoses is terminal & only has a few months left to live, which she then realizes that she needs to make the best of the time she has left.  She then creates a to-do list before she dies.  She knows well she can't be like normal girls her age and experience love, so she settles for sex which is the first thing on her list.  

She goes through all these experiences from drugs--to crime, which then leads to a very heartbreaking ending.  Through out the story, it was very touching and poignant. The well-written literature made this story unforgettable.  

What i really loved about this novel was how strong the characters were, the love story, and the importance of life itself.  Also how realistic this story is.  

Tessa's character is so astounding, that i wanted her to live as much as she did.  I cried about 5 times during this book.  Throughout the book, it was slowly breaking my heart, page after page, and when i got to the end, it just shattered.  

I would have to say this was the most touching, poignant, heartbreaking books I've ever read.  This is a book you definitely SHOULD read & add to your bookshelf.  It's one of those books that you don't want to put down, or take a break from reading!




My Rating: 5/5

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