Dating is complex. You spend time getting to know strangers who could very well turn out to be just as bad as “You-Know-Who.” This is why so many personality and compatibility tests have been created, to try to create a framework for finding (among other things) your perfect mate.

We all know that the basis of a solid relationship is a mutual love for all things Harry Potter. Okay, I’m mostly kidding… mostly. So why not take a look at compatibility based on your Hogwarts House?

Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each House’s personality and why certain Houses might make better romantic partners. *Disclaimer: Very few people fit perfectly into any of theses profiles, so some generalizations needed to be made.*

Gryffindor

You might belong in Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart, their daring, nerve and chivalry set Gryffindors apart.

Gryffindors are exceedingly brave with a strong moral compass, standing up for what is right even if they’re standing alone. They are determined and have a strong desire to protect others. However, these same traits could result in recklessness, self-righteousness, arrogance, and a fiery nature that can lead to a short temper. From a Gryffindor’s perspective, here’s what I think are their best matches and why:

#1 GRYFFINDOR  HUFFLEPUFF

#2 GRYFFINDOR  GRYFFINDOR

#3 GRYFFINDOR  RAVENCLAW

#4 GRYFFINDOR  SLYTHERIN

A Hufflepuff would provide the most balanced relationship for a Gryffindor, where both parties push each other to improve. Gryffindors can sometimes be very emotional and sometimes a bit reckless. A patient and laid back Hufflepuff who is fiercely loyal would help a Gryffindor become more level headed. Conversely, in situations where a Hufflepuff might be trying to avoid a confrontation, a Gryffindor can push them to stand up for themselves.

Gryffindors make a good match for each other, as clearly evidenced by Ron and Hermione. A Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match produce a balanced relationship, but a Gryffindor may be put off by a Ravenclaw’s risk-averse and independent demeanor. I would think that Gryffindors and Slytherins have the most general potential for friction because both seek glory in their own right. Although they could end up being a power couple, I think that a Gryffindor’s temper and a Slytherin’s insatiable ambition would force these two to clash more often than not.

Hufflepuff

You might belong in Hufflepuff, where they are just and loyal, those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil.

Hufflepuffs are defined by their love of family, comfort, and living things. They tend to be fiercely loyal to the things they believe in, good natured, humble, and accepting of others. As huge advocates for justice, Hufflepuffs want to do the right thing. On the other hand, these traits can lead a Hufflepuff to being easily manipulated, avoiding confrontation, blind loyalty, and getting too involved in their friend’s problems. From a Hufflepuff’s perspective, here’s what I think are their best matches and why:

#1 HUFFLEPUFF  GRYFFINDOR

#2 HUFFLEPUFF  RAVENCLAW

#3 HUFFLEPUFF  SLYTHERIN

#4 HUFFLEPUFF HUFFLEPUFF

Because of their accepting, patient, and loyal nature, I think a Hufflepuff could be a great partner for any House. Gryffindors would make a great match because both highly value relationships and could connect on their values and social justice causes. A Gryffindor’s bravery would encourage a Hufflepuff to stand up for themselves when they’d rather avoid confrontation, and their fiery nature would complement a Hufflepuff’s relaxed attitude.

Ravenclaws and Slytherins would provide good complementary mates as well, although a Hufflepuff may find it difficult to relate to Slytherin’s ambition and potential hostility and Ravenclaw’s more distant and individualistic tendencies. I put a Hufflepuff pair as last because I believe that a good relationship is one where both parties grow together; in order for that to happen, you need some healthy friction, which wouldn’t come from another Hufflepuff who tends to avoid confrontation and hurting other people’s feelings.

Ravenclaw

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you’ve a ready mind, where those of wit and learning, will always find their kind.

Ravenclaws are characterized by wit, creativity, competitiveness, and a love for learning; they want to know the why of everything. Ravenclaws take pride in being unique and seeing the world differently; they can be considered out-of-the-box thinkers and change-makers. Like with anything else, a strength can become a weakness. Too much intelligence can cause cynicism, a competitive nature can lead to stubbornness and push others away, and thinking too highly of one’s abilities results in arrogance. From a Ravenclaw’s perspective, here’s what I think are their best matches and why:

#1 RAVENCLAW HUFFLEPUFF

#2 RAVENCLAW  SLYTHERIN

#3 RAVENCLAW  RAVENCLAW

#4 RAVENCLAW  GRYFFINDOR

I believe that Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff are complementary opposites. A Hufflepuff will encourage a Ravenclaw to be more social and not get too wrapped up analyzing, well, everything. Their humble and accepting nature will bring a Ravenclaw down to earth and make them feel comfortable enough to open up. A Ravenclaw will help a Hufflepuff stand up for themselves and reach for greater heights.

Slytherins and Ravenclaws are both driven by reason and highly independent in their pursuits. Neither tolerates incompetence in others, so there is a lower risk of annoying each other. The biggest potential issue here is that Slytherins are far more focused on the past and tradition, whereas Ravenclaws are open minded and enjoy the pursuit of new ideas. A Ravenclaw pairing could result in a highly stimulating relationship, where both constantly challenge each other. Or it could result in two people who overanalyze everything and burn each other out. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw could make a great power couple, one bringing the brains and one bringing the bravery. However, a Ravenclaw may get tired of a Gryffindor’s overly fiery and headstrong nature and their rash actions.

Slytherin

Or perhaps in Slytherin you’ll make your real friends, those cunning folks use any means to achieve their ends.

Slytherins are resourceful, cunning, ambitious, and clever. They tend to be assertive, confident, and unafraid to give an honest opinion. Slytherins are very loyal and protective of their own and share in a strong sense of House pride. On the flip side, Slytherins can become too power hungry, using unethical means to achieve their ambitions. They can also be confrontational, self-centered, cocky, and/or manipulative. From a Slytherin’s perspective, here’s what I think are their best matches and why:

#1 SLYTHERIN SLYTHERIN

#2 SLYTHERIN  RAVENCLAW

#3 SLYTHERIN  HUFFLEPUFF

#4 SLYTHERIN  GRYFFINDOR

Because of their fraternal nature and preference for all things elite, a Slytherin would gravitate toward dating another Slytherin. So long as they don’t enter into a power struggle with each other, their competitive and ambitious nature would encourage both Slytherins to reach their full potential.

A Slytherin may be attracted to a Ravenclaw’s intelligence. They would also not have to explain their rational approach to life and more independent nature. A Slytherin may be attracted to a Hufflepuff’s loyalty and open-mindedness, eventually being able to let their guard down around the other person. A Hufflepuff would keep a Slytherin balanced and calm when ambitious endeavors don’t turn out as planned, while a Slytherin would keep a Hufflepuff motivated. As mentioned above, Slytherins and Gryffindors have the most general potential for friction. Although this may work out, I think chances are lower when compared to the other pairings.

In the end, any pairing could work well since most of us exhibit characteristics from various Houses. That’s why this article looks at the relative rankings of success as opposed to strict rules for which Houses would work and which would not.

Do you think these pairings hold true? Tell us in the comments what have been some of your best relationships based on Hogwarts Houses.