The Role of Similarity in Forming and Sustaining Interpersonal Relationships: A Survey Study

Abstract

This study investigates how perceived similarity influences the development of platonic and romantic relationships. Survey questionnaires were digitally administered to 183 participants recruited through Qualtrics and measured similarity in values, daily routines, and worldviews, as well as the frequency of conflict due to differences. Results indicated that participants consider shared values and interests as the dominant factors in friendship formation, while factors such as personality and time spent together were considered as dominant factors in maintaining relationships. One-way ANOVA tests revealed significant differences in worldview similarity, routine similarity, and conflict frequency across groups defined by past experiences with dissimilar romantic partners. Subsequent post hoc Tukey HSD comparisons showed that participants who reported preferring similar partners perceived significantly greater similarity and less frequent conflict compared to those who had experienced unresolved value differences. These results support the similarity-attraction principle but also signify that the extent of dissimilarity lies in how the differences are managed. Overall, the results suggest that while similarity facilitates communication and stability, unresolved differences can undermine closeness, whereas differences addressed constructively do not weaken relationships.