Did you know the word "compatible" registers as one of the most oft-searched words on search engines ever? Obviously, this means there are a lot of people out there plagued by the question of whether or not they are "meant to be" with someone or not, and as someone who has dated men who I had no business being with, I know that compatibility can definitely make or break a relationship. I decided to test and rate three of the most popular compatibility tests online (based on search engine promotion) to see which one actually made sense, and which was a total waste of space. Here, the results of this highly scientific experiment:
This one from Naruto Fever got off to a very promising start because it asked ridiculously specific questions (like, 10 q's about what kind of hairdo you prefer on a guy (I chose, 'Erm, weird")), however, the results were super disappointing:
"Your results are in! You love shining teeth and bobbed hair and you think his bum looks real sexy in those tight green whatever-you-call-it thing that he wears. His somewhat too-enthusiastic character turns you on as he barges into every corner declaring his "dynamic entrance". Now if he'd just take time away from thinking how to defeat his eternal rival and pay a little attention to you..."
Huh!?! Then I realized it was a fan site for some kind of Japanimation counter cultural movement that I knew nothing about. Neeexxxttt...
This Dating Diversions test, dominated by questions regarding personality type and lifestyle habits took a total of five minutes, always helpful for the jerk off at work quickie, and though it was short-lived, I felt like the questions were very astute, and the results seemed solid enough (for um, a compatibility test taken online). Bonus points for asking real names, and using them in a customer-friendly type of way, sort of like how they do when you call your credit card company. The results:
86% compatible
"erin and shya have been romantically-together for awhile now, indicating a degree of compatibility. Similar personality descriptions are a plus. The religious faith they share may help to form a bond. The fact that erin smokes could be an issue. They both drink, so there is no incompatibility there. shya may complain that erin is too sloppy. And then there is the fact that their styles mismatch, although that isn't too big a deal. Their astrological signs are in harmony, though, which is a plus. Their common love of animals is another good thing. And their views on children are similar. Overall, erin and shya are highly compatible. They are capable of having a beautiful relationship together."
The somewhat extensive quiz at Similar Minds (50 questions!) was like the SATs of compatibility tests, and "grades" you on extroversion, friendliness, orderliness (!?), emotional stability and open-mindedness. "We" (I) scored a 79 percent on overall similarity and "complementarity" of 72:
Big Five Compatibility Test
Your overall complementarity is 72%. |
Now that I'm living with a man that I am so compatible with it's scary--sometimes, we're a little like psychic twins--the difference in the quality of our relationship makes me certain that the "C" word matters. Here's the thing about knowing whether you're a good fit: You don't even have to wonder. You just know. So as much as your average compatibility test can be an entertaining distraction, chances are, if you're in the right relationship, you don't even need to take one.
But while we're at it, anyone know of any decent compatibility tests out there!?!? Also, is compatibility the single most important factor in a successful relationship, or do you disagree and think that opposites attract?