Carla’s post from last week about a guy whose girlfriend drove him into debt got me thinking: To what degree should financial habits drive who you date?

A few recent studies shed some light on the subject. While most people end up marrying those who are overall similar in personality, “opposites attract” seems to be the case when it comes to spending and saving patterns.

But that doesn’t always translate into long-term financial happiness. Researchers from the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, and Northwestern University found that “spendthrifts” typically seek out “tightwads” (and vice versa):

“I can see how this might be one of those kinds of seductive differences in the early stages of courtship,” said Stephanie Coontz, a professor at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., and research director for the Council on Contemporary Families. “Maybe you say to yourself, ‘This guy makes me feel so free,’ or ‘This gal reins me in.’ ”

Which is unfortunate.

As previous studies have found, spending decisions are a common source of marital conflict and a major contributor to divorce. And as prior literature would predict, this new study showed that financially polar pairs report greater conflict over money, and lower levels of connubial bliss.

Moral of the story? Figure out if you’re on the same page as a potential spouse before you walk down the aisle. And if you’re ready for the advanced class: Talk about long-range financial plans and make a budget together that suits both of your priorities.