Abstract
Recent studies show that both physical and personality characteristics influence mate choice. Two theories explaining particular mechanisms of mate choice were proposed.
Theory of homogamy suggests that individuals prefer partners with similar personality traits as they have. Such relationships last longer than relationships based on opposite characteristics.
From an evolutionary perspective mate choice based on homogamy can be explained by theory of kinship selection: thus, partners who are more similar to each other are more altruistic, even if they are not relatives. In contrast, theory of complementarity states that people choose mates with opposite personality traits; these relationships last shorter.
From a biological point of view, this strategy is particularly useful because it reduces risks associated with inbreeding. According to a widespread belief gay couples are characterized by the complementarity of gender roles (i.e. 'top' x 'bottom').
Nevertheless, previous studies showed that partner preferences of gay men depend on their own level of masculinity-femininity: the more masculine individual the higher preference for masculinity, and vice versa. Main aim of the current study was to test homogamy and complementarity of personality traits in long-term same-sex male couples.
Based on previous studies, we suggested that some traits may be rather influenced by the mechanisms of homogamy (for example age, gender nonconformity, some personality traits or sociosexuality) while other traits are influenced by complementarity (for example socioeconomic status). Furthermore, we assumed that the above mentioned strategy of homogamy and complementarity will also influence the relationship satisfaction of gay couples, as was shown in heterosexual couples as stated above.