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It’s no surprise if similar features run in the family—genes take care of that. But “Alabama jokes” aside, how do you explain couples that look like siblings? Perhaps spending too much time together makes couples look alike, or we tend to date people physically similar to us. 

The Instagram account about the “Siblings or Dating” quiz brought to light a fantastic and super addictive siblings or dating game for bored people on social media. The account has been around since July, making 249k followers wonder whether two people are family-related or simply dating based solely on one photo. 

So, let’s play this game that might quickly become your favorite. Spoiler alert: you might be wrong most of the time. Let us know in the comments how many pics you will get right and what gave them away.

More info: Instagram

#1

Siblings Or Dating?

Two blonde women taking a selfie

DATING

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#2

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman with her hand on man's neck

DATING

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#3

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman and man smiling

DATING

siblingsordating Report

Why Do Some Couples Look Like Brother and Sister?

Couples that look alike might sound quirky, but there are a few scientific reasons behind their resemblance. Here are a few more reasons why there are couples that make us wonder whether they are dating or siblings:

1. The mere exposure effect: Sometimes, in love, we choose partners with similar genes, giving us a physically similar appearance. Our tendency to choose people with similar traits is pretty instinctive. The “mere exposure effect” is a behavioral deed in which we prefer faces, bodies, places, and things we are already comfortable with (like choosing the same race, for example). 

2. Copycat partners: Ever notice how couples start mirroring each other’s expressions? It happens, and suddenly, they’re unintentionally acting like siblings who grew up together. When couples vibe, they naturally pick up each other’s habits and body language, signaling a solid emotional bond and trust. Scientists state that partners tend to influence each other’s habits throughout a long-term relationship, like marriage (having together a healthier lifestyle, for example). 

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3. Love glow: There’s this thing called the “love glow.” It makes couples radiate happiness when they’re seen together. Their mutual glow makes us perceive them as a couple that looks alike. Psychologist Robert Zajonc’s study in 1987 suggested that couples can begin to look alike over the years based on factors such as diet, lifestyle, and compatibility. However, researchers Pin Pin Tea-makorn and Michael Kosinski at Stanford University did clinical tests to prove it. Still, the mere exposure effect took place again. There’s no clinical evidence that couples go through a face-shifting wonder after years of relationship.

4. Perception: Contrary to the belief that external factors like hairstyle lead to a couple’s similarity, experiments show that even after removing extrinsic features, faces in couples are perceived as more similar. It’s so popular to notice couples that look like siblings that the New York Post even named them “doppelbangers.”

5. Personality and age: Couples that look alike are also perceived as similar in personality and age. These factors independently contribute to facial similarity in couples.

To sum up, looking alike doesn't guarantee love compatibility, but it’s a fun twist in the love story. Compatibility comes from shared values, communication, and understanding. That’s where the genuine connection really matters.

#6

Siblings Or Dating?

Two men smiling

DATING

siblingsordating Report

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jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do people think that just because people have similar haircuts and facial hair they look the same? They bear no resemblance to each other.

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#8

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman and man taking selfie at the beach

SIBLINGS

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#9

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman and man taking photo at the bar

SIBLINGS

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chimesstreet avatar
Tabitha L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would never put my hand that high up on my brother's bare leg. Also, they both have beautiful skin. I guessed siblings until I saw the hand.

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#12

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman wearing hats at the beach

SIBLINGS

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#13

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman hugging at the beach

SIBLINGS

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ellajensen-kane avatar
PANDAS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yall, i've seen so many comments grossed out by the siblings, like, ITS NORMAL FOR SIBLINGS TO HUG!!

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#14

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman smiling

DATING

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#16

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman and man with their hands in the pockets

DATING

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#17

Siblings Or Dating?

Man wearing blue shirt, woman smiling

SIBLINGS

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#18

Siblings Or Dating?

Man hugging woman wearing academic robe

SIBLINGS

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#19

Siblings Or Dating?

Two men holding grey cat

SIBLINGS

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#20

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman holding a beer, man sitting at the chair

DATING

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#21

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman wearing glasses

DATING

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#22

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman with green eyes

DATING

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chimesstreet avatar
Tabitha L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I looked at this one and thought.....the had BETTER be dating. Otherwise this picture is disturbing.

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#23

Siblings Or Dating?

Man wearing a green hat, woman wearing green top

DATING

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#24

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman and man smiling

DATING

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#25

Siblings Or Dating?

Two men smiling

DATING

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#26

Siblings Or Dating?

Woman hugging man's arm

SIBLINGS

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chimesstreet avatar
Tabitha L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've started guessing right more by looking at the expressions on their faces instead of facial features. These two look like best friends.

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#27

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman holding a cigarette

DATING

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#28

Siblings Or Dating?

Two men on the patio, holding flowers

SIBLINGS

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#29

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman smiling at the concert

SIBLINGS

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hempfairy avatar
HempFairy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From the way the guy is so strongly flexing his arm, for one second there i though it was a date.

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#30

Siblings Or Dating?

Man and woman smiling at the beach

SIBLINGS

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