Everyone has an idea of the kind of person they want to end up with. Even if you haven't actually made a handwritten list of the attributes your lover would possess, you most likely have some sort of image of the guy or girl you think you would be perfect with. If you are like most people, the person you are envisioning is very much like you. They like the same music, want the same kind of dog, and they like to eat Mexican food as much as you do – the list can go on and on. However, in reality, we almost never find that perfect fit in another person, and I don't think you'd really want to, because the differences between people in a relationship are what make the relationship interesting.

Yes, of course you should be alike in the ways that matter. You should have the same moral convictions and want to live your lives in the same way, but dating someone who is a bit of an opposite makes for a healthy relationship filled with new discoveries that keep you growing together and becoming a stronger unit. Opening yourself up to new people who have different interests can be very exciting, and while it is probably not a good idea to date someone who is completely opposite to you, (it wouldn't be smart to build a life with an atheist if you have serious religious convictions) the differences between you and your partner can and should be positive aspects of your relationship.

Here are 6 reasons dating an opposite is a positive and healthy thing to do.

1. Have New Experiences

Dating free of excitement and new discoveries is pointless. That is why dating someone who is opposite you in many ways is such a great idea. You will be more likely to participate in new activities if your significant other is encouraging you to do them, than if you were attempting them on your own without any outside encouragement.

2. Discover What You Really Want

You may think you know exactly the kind of person you want to be with, but you can't ever be sure of something until you try it. So, dating a person that is outside your comfort zone of familiarity will help you to truly discover what you want in your partner. Give someone different a try and you may find that they have interests and convictions that you didn't know you would value in your partner.

3. Look At Life Differently

If all you ever do is surround yourself with people who are exactly like you, then you will never see the world for the many different colors and layers that it truly has. When you date someone who is opposite to you in many ways, you will get advice and opinions that you would not have gotten from the similar people in your life or that you would never have come up with on your own. It will broaden your view of the world and educate your mind in many new ways.

4. Let Go of the Humdrum

Life can easily become monotonous and predictable. We settle into our routines and before we know it, we are bored with our everyday life and its predictability. Celebrities are known for taking risks and stepping outside of their comfort zones, and many of them do that in their dating lives by dating people who are opposite them. Some opposite celebrity couples have been Chelsea Handler and 50 Cent, Renee Zellweger and Jack Black, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.

5. Keep Things Exciting

Unpredictability can be a huge turn on and a great way to keep the spice in a relationship alive. Not knowing what your partner is constantly thinking or what he or she might do to surprise you will keep things exciting and make your relationship feel new and fresh even after you've been together for some time. This excitement will keep you both interested and longing for more!

6. Learn to Work Through Challenges

Dating someone who is opposite you in many ways will undoubtedly bring challenges to your relationship, but you must be willing and able to work through problems in order to make any relationship work. Love is hard work, and it's the obstacles that we encounter with our partner that help us to grow and mature together as a couple. Let your differences be catalysts to a healthy, fulfilling and committed life together.