When it comes to coupledom, we’ve all seen certain types out there: the couple that can’t stop bickering, the couple that is constantly pawing at one another, the couple who can’t go anywhere without one another, etc. But now, thanks to Psychologies magazine, it turns out there are 6 distinctive couple types – and experts say that ALL couples are one of the six. So which one are you?

1)   Cat and Dog. This couple fights constantly, both privately and publicly. Psychotherapist Avi Smueli says, “They can be screaming at each other in front of you and you say: ‘Why don’t you split up?’ And they turn in unison and ask you: ‘Are you mad?’”  The Cat and Dog couple is attracted to the fight-and-make-up cycle.

2)   Thrill of the Chase. This is also known as the pursuer/distancer couple, in which one half of the couple is “in pursuit” of the other, trying mercilessly to gain the other’s attention and affection. Relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam says that couples often take turns in their roles – “Whenever one senses the other is losing interest, they will switch.”

3)   Parent and Child. This is rather self-explanatory; one partner feels responsible for caring for and nurturing their partner. This type of pattern often develops after a couple has children, as one becomes used to asking the same questions of their partner as they do their children – for example, “It’s raining outside, do you have your umbrella?” Quilliam warns, however, that the “child” partner may eventually feel stifled. “Parenting isn’t just about nurturing,” she says. “It’s also about control.

4)   Idol and Fan. This sort of relationship tends to be short lived. Quilliam says, “Everything is black and white for this couple. One person is all good, everything about them is wonderful and the other person worships them.” Quilliam explains the tendency for these relationships to be short: “It’s more likely that the Idol will have a series of short-lived relationships with different fans. They’ll adopt the stance: ‘You don’t appreciate me, so I’m off to find someone who does.’”

5)   Babes in the Wood. Strange name, but overall what it means is this couple shares just about everything, from opinions to clothes to hobbies. “These are two individuals who recognize great similarities in each other and are reassured by that,” Quilliam says. However, this couple may become so focused on one another that it’s different for anyone else to be let in – including friends and even their children.

6)   The Grown-Ups. This is described as a “functional relationship” between two mature people who are at ease with their differences and have little interest in conflict. “They are sensible and accommodating,” according to Quilliam. Even so, she says, it may not be the ideal. “This is not a relationship of peak emotions. This couple might not be spontaneous and there won’t be challenges. These two will never have to face their dark side and so their relationship may lack a little fire.”

So guys, which couple are you? One of these six? Or do you think your relationship fits into a different sort of category?

source

photo