# My Husband Is My Polar Opposite

> Neil, a neuroscientist, and Marjorie, an EPA veteran, share a 60-year marriage built on complementarity.
- Title: My Husband Is My Polar Opposite · BuzzFeed | Shortify
- Summary: Neil, a neuroscientist, and Marjorie, an EPA veteran, share a 60-year marriage built on complementarity.
- Keywords: marjorie weidenfeld buckholtz, neil, epa, alzheimers research, complementarity, marriage, 60 years, free to be you and me generation, children, BuzzFeed
- Source: BuzzFeed — https://buzzfeed.com/marjorieweidenfeldbuckholtz/opposites-attract-marriage-60-years-2
- Published: 2026-11-13T04:16:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marjorie weidenfeld buckholtz, neil, epa, alzheimers research, complementarity, marriage, 60 years, free to be you and me generation, children, entertainment, culture
## Morning on the Porch
Marjorie relaxes on her porch while Neil tries to get her attention with a list.

> Neil, my husband of nearly 60 years, is trying to get my attention.
## Polar Opposites
Marjorie is awake and ambitious; Neil is a morning person who handles tasks.

> Neil, who has already been to the grocery store, dropped off laundry, worked out at the gym, and taken the dog to the vet.
## The List
Marjorie writes a list for the day, but Neil has already completed most tasks.

> He appears at the threshold of the porch juggling my coffee and a Danish in one hand, my handwritten list in the other.
## Nighttime Routines
Marjorie plans the day at night; Neil sleeps early and wakes early.

> On a good night, I’m in bed by 1:00 a.m. and awake at the crack of 10:00 a.m.
## Shared Responsibilities
Marjorie and Neil balanced family duties for four children under 10.

> He changed diapers, made lunches, bought groceries, did the laundry, and more.
## Marriage Challenges
Marjorie’s father called Neil a sissy, but she credits his support for her career.

> You’re making a sissy outta that guy.
## Complementarity
Neil describes their marriage as complementarity, where opposites attract.

> What makes us so perfect for each other, is a phenomenon called complementarity.
## Brain Differences
Neil’s brain is linear and clear; Marjorie’s is creative and unpredictable.

> Marjorie’s brain works more like a Jackson Pollack splatter painting.
## The Party
Neil gave a complementarity speech at a family celebration.

> What makes us so perfect for each other, is a phenomenon called complementarity.
## The Morning After
Neil gives up on the list and joins Marjorie for a snuggle.

> I give up, and the sides of his mouth start to turn upward into an almost smile.
## The Secret
Their marriage thrives because they complement each other’s strengths.

> My wife has taught me to enjoy the journey and not worry so much about the destination.
## Key takeaway

Marjorie and Neil, married for nearly 60 years, complement each other's brains to thrive in their partnership.