think for a minute......: How To Spot Your Soul Mate

How To Spot Your Soul Mate

You know how you always fall for those brooding, hygienically challenged intellectuals? Learn the reason in Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type by Helen Fisher. After studying 40,000 men and women, the biological anthropologist and relationship guru came up with four types, and figured out the best combos.

Lester Cohen/Wire Image

Lester Cohen/Wire Image
EXPLORER PERSONALITY: A sensation-seeking creative type who would rather let dishes pile up in the sink than miss a chance to go bungee jumping.
BIOLOGY: Explorers have high levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with feelings of euphoria and optimism. Explorers love sex. Love.
IDEAL MATE: A fellow Explorer. In short, a partner who won't flinch if you ask him to play hooky and go to Bangkok on a whim.
OUR FAVORITE COUPLE: Duh. Brad and Angelina, the jet-setting, tattooed, unwed parents of six.

DIRECTOR PERSONALITY: A cool, calculating, independent workaholic who hates talking about feelings because what's the point?
BIOLOGY: In the womb, the Director was exposed to a high level of testosterone, the hormone associated with competitiveness and aggression.
IDEAL MATE: The Negotiator, who brings love and affection to a Director's analytical life.
OUR FAVORITE COUPLE: Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal. She named her company Type A Films; he's the doe-eyed boy with the strong shoulder to cry on.
BUILDER PERSONALITY: An even-tempered, family-oriented homebody who checks the date book before doing anything.
BIOLOGY: Builders tend to have higher levels of serotonin, a brain chemical known for instilling calm.
IDEAL MATE: A fellow Builder, who appreciates crucial details like alphabetizing the owner's manuals for appliances dating back to 1987.
OUR FAVORITE COUPLE: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, whose marriage lasted for 50 years. In Hollywood, no less.
NEGOTIATOR PERSONALITY: Gregarious, affectionate, and loves pillow talk.
BIOLOGY: In the womb, the Negotiator was exposed to high levels of estrogen, the hormone associated with sensitivity and intuition.
IDEAL MATE: A Director - because two Negotiators who can't stop saying "I love you" to each other would make anyone want to barf.
OUR FAVORITE COUPLE: Kate Winslet, the Negotiator, emotes for a living, while Director Sam Mendes literally, um, directs.