I guess it depends from person to person. Generally.. through experience I learnt that having some things in common may help to build up a conversation and get to know each other better, but having too much in common makes you like brother and sister and yo might feel that friendship is what you obtained.
The best would be having some things in common as well as being opposite in ways of thinking. It is important to share your opinions and find out what the other person thinks without necessarily agreeing with you on everything. :).
People are usually facinated by others who are different from them in the beginning. However in the long run you are much better off being with someone who "naturally" wants what you want and "agrees" with you on how to obtain it.
Life is too short to be trying to fit square pegs into round holes, changing water into wine, fighting or trying to persuade someone to see things your way. If you want to go "right" and your mate wants to go "left" then the two of you are in for a bumpy ride. Life is much easier when you are with someone who (naturally agrees with you) on the major issues.
Of course there are others that confuse "drama" with "passion" and "jealousy" with "love". For these types a "smooth sailing" relationship would be too boring.
Psychologically, opposites cause divorces. The first thing you learn when it comes to training for finding a mate in psychology class is that common traits bring people together. It is ok if there are a few things that are different such as food likes, styles.
However, the people have to meet in the middle to create a good couple.
They must have the basics the same though. Their beliefs, values, morals, etc. This is why eharmony.Com does so well for couples.
I think it's important to have values in common about the important things in life. Other than that, having different interests makes for a fun relationship.
A good balance is best. Having something in common keeps you glued together, while being opposites keeps you interested.
I think it is important to have things in common that you like to do together. Spending time together and building a relationship is easiest when you have similar interests.
I believe opposites do tend to attract, but you do need some things in common, such as morals, standards, values, etc..But it's intriguing being with someone with different interests than you, so much more to learn.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.