8 Reasons Androgynous People Make Excellent Partners

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In the field of psychology, the word androgyny has a completely different meaning. Androgyny has less to do with appearance and more to do with how we think, feel and express ourselves. Psychologist, feminist and all-around bad ass Sandra Bem coined the term psychologically—revolutionizing how we think of gender.

Before her, gender was linear. If you were highly masculine, then you were only a little feminine, and vice-a-versa. If you were smack down in the middle, you were considered androgynous.

Dr. Bem restructured gender by creating x and y axes. With her new scale, you could be masculine, but also feminine. When this is the case, you are considered androgynous. (You could also be undifferentiated, which means you don’t identify with masculine or feminine characteristics, like Miley Cyrus recently expressed.) 

An androgynous person is ideal to date because he or she embodies the best characteristics of both genders. Here are some of the benefits of dating someone androgynous.

1. They tend to be expressive, open and in tune with their emotions. 
We could all use a lover who isn’t afraid to cry.

2. They're typically honest and can dish out tough love. 
It’s crucial to date someone who can be real with you.

3. They're usually kind and nurturing. 
They know how to respond when you’re upset.

4. They're usually good at laying down the law. 
Sometimes, you need to be put in your place. Androgynous partners know when they need to be firm.

5. They can be competitive but are generally good sports. 
It can be fun to compete with your partner, as long as no one gets upset about coming in second.

6. They’re confident and not afraid to express their opinions. 
What's the fun in dating someone who agrees with everything you say?

7. They value their appearance. 
Nothing wrong with a sharp-dressed lover.

8. They are down to watch any movie. 
Want to watch 10 Things I Hate About You? Awesome. Want to watch Terminator 2 for the 50th time? Sweet.

Are you androgynous? Take the online version of Sandra Bem’s Sex Role Inventory here.