Opposites attract: Tell us your unlikely love story

The passionate if tumultuous marriage of Mexican painters Frida Kahlo (1907 - 1954) and Diego Rivera (1886 - 1957) was a union of two very different people. Not only were the differences physical -- with Diego towering over Frida, who was 20 years his junior -- but also interpersonal, as the two often butted heads over their differing priorities and personalities. Still, they were drawn to one another in a now iconic romance. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)


Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and the image of the perfect, carefree couple is everywhere. You know the ones: they're the gorgeous and impeccably styled duo who look great holding long stemmed glasses of wine.

But what about the "mismatched" pair? Those unlikely mates whose relationship is a bridge across cultures or personalities or appearances?

Just in time for February's fest of love and romance, CBC News will be working on a feature about the conditions under which opposites not only attract but thrive over time. We're wondering if similarity is overrated, especially as some argue that online dating encourages singles to 'shop' for partners who meet a narrow set of criteria and share the same interests.

Are we screening out good partners who are a less obvious fit?

While exploring these questions, we're interested in hearing the stories of people who self-identify as an unlikely but happy couple.

Perhaps you're a card-carrying conservative who found love by reaching across the aisle. Maybe you tower above your mate but still feel that the two of you see eye-to-eye. Perhaps you had to overcome a major barrier, like speaking different languages or practicing different religions, to be together.

Whether you're a party animal who fell for a quiet, bookish type, or a homebody who found love with a globetrotter, we'd want to hear from you.

Please email your 200 word love story and your best photo together to community@cbc.ca with the subject line "the unlikely couple."

We will be compiling the best stories into a special Valentine's Day gallery.