We’ve all heard the saying that opposites attract, but what about when it comes to finding a partner who shares your own look? Lookalike couples are more common than you might think.
Researchers have found that participants prefer a face containing a blend of their own and another person’s features, according to one study. This may be due to genetic similarity or assortative mating.
1. They’re familiar
It’s no secret that people tend to date those who look like them. This is known as “assortative mating” and it’s not just a cliche — it’s true! People often gravitate towards those who share similar traits, such as education level, height, age, or even face shape. While this tendency makes sense in many ways, it can also lead to some strange relationships.
One famous example of this is the infamous “doppelbanger” trend. This phenomenon refers to dating someone who bears an uncanny resemblance to you, and it’s becoming more and more common among celebrities. Cosmopolitan reports that this trend was first popularized by the LGBT community, but it’s now being embraced by heterosexual couples as well. From Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer’s blond hair to the striking similarities between Friends alumni Courteney Cox and her partner Johnny McDaid to Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter, there are many celebrity examples of doppelbangers.
While this may seem like a harmless trend, it is actually quite dangerous. When a person dates someone who looks alike, they can easily lose sight of their own unique personality and begin to act like a carbon copy of their partner. This is known as “emotional mirroring,” and it can be very harmful to a relationship. Luckily, there are some ways to avoid this issue, such as turning off any unnecessary filters on your dating apps or making an effort to be more open-minded when it comes to dating.
2. They’re a good match
People tend to marry or date partners that resemble them, for example, in a similar height and weight. This is known as assortative mating and is a normal part of the dating process. In addition, many couples who look similar appear to share common interests and lifestyles, which may be another reason for their resemblance.
Some researchers suggest that we’re hardwired to be drawn to those who look like us because it makes us feel more comfortable with them. In fact, a study published in Psychological Science found that we find those who resemble us more trustworthy. Interestingly enough, this is also why some couples grow to resemble each other over time. For example, the Daily Mail recently reported that blond-haired celebrity duos like Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter, and Keira Knightley and James Righton have been dubbed “doppelgangers” because of their uncanny looks.
This trend is even more noticeable in biracial couples. Research has shown that biracial men and women tend to select partners who share their ethnic background. This is believed to be due to in-group bias, implicit egotism, and the familiarity effect. While this tendency to seek out a partner who resembles you can be helpful in finding a good match, it’s important to remember that chemistry is also an important factor in choosing a significant other.
3. They’re genetically similar
People tend to marry and date people who look like them – or at least, that’s what researchers have been able to prove. There’s even a word for it: doppelbanger, which describes a preference for someone who bears an uncanny resemblance to your own appearance. But the reason behind this trend isn’t exactly clear. Scientists have found that the facial resemblance between two people increases over time. Whether that’s because the rigors of aging leave similar lines on faces or genetic similarities become more obvious as the years pass, the effect is real.
One theory is that people are drawn to those who resemble them, because this creates a sense of trust. It’s not that different from what happens in nature, where baby animals are often attracted to their parents’ mates.
Another possibility is that people who share similar characteristics – such as shared interests or the same type of face shape – are more likely to form friendships and spend time together. And research has shown that friends are more genetically similar than strangers.
This explains why so many couples, from Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen to Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres, seem to look so much alike. But it doesn’t explain why the resemblance is more evident in married couples than in friendships. Perhaps because married couples are more likely to be emotionally attuned to one another and therefore more willing to overlook physical resemblances.
4. They’re happy
When people are happy, their face muscles tighten, which gives them a more youthful glow. When a partner shares this same youthfulness, it can be attractive. But happiness doesn’t just mean facial expressions; it also means internal states, such as emotional stability and self-confidence. This is why lookalike couples often report a high level of satisfaction in their relationships.
When we see someone smiling, it makes us smile. It can even make us think about them, which is why it’s no surprise that people are drawn to partners who share their same smile and facial features. It’s the classic case of birds of a feather flock together.
In a 1987 study, scientists from the University of Michigan discovered that married couples often begin to look like each other over time. Researchers theorize that years of shared experiences lead to similar wrinkles and expressions. This phenomenon is called positive sexual imprinting and it’s a natural part of human attraction.
It’s no wonder that we seek out mates who resemble our parents; after all, they were the first examples of successful, fulfilling relationships we saw as children. But this isn’t the only reason that resemblance plays a role in our choice of partner: we also tend to prefer those who are similar to us genetically. In fact, a 2010 study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people are innately more likely to pair with their doppelganger.
