Imagine talking to someone new in a bar or anywhere and feeling comfortable about the way things are progressing when that person suddenly asks, “By the way, what’s your blood type?” It would surely sound a little weird! But not so in Japan. Over there it’s not astrology that gets people talking – it’s blood type! In fact, it’s not uncommon for women to select a prospective husband based on his blood type. In a nutshell, blood type dating is considered more or less the safest way to nurse a relationship.
The Zodiac sign has become less popular in Asia, as the new basis of dating and choosing one’s partner is now through one’s blood type! It may be necessary to bring a guy under the needle before a second date and then wait for the results before progressing.
Here one might look at partner’s astrological sign to see if it was compatible. We have done this frequently and the startling differences make both of us think we took a big risk. Just because our star signs are mismatched — there must be exceptions to every rule — I hope! But blood type compatibility, I never gave it a thought. I don’t even know my own blood type but I will make a point to find it out.
“Matching people based on their blood types is not too different from matching blood donors and receivers,” Datebytype has concluded after three years of research. Disturbingly, there is an emerging interest in knowing a person’s blood type, not just for necessary medical purposes but for purposes that raise a host of issues, foremost among them privacy, such as; predicting a person’s personality and behavioral tendencies, predisposition to disease, and developing lifestyle formulations suited to their blood type?
According to conventional wisdom in Japan, type A’s are perfectionists to the core, whether it is housework or career. They have stability and patience but their need to be in control and their lack of spontaneity may lead to tension.
Type B’s are both passionate and creative, generally known as heart-breakers. They have a tendency to be selfish and unco-operative and often act without considering the consequences.
People with Type AB blood are determined to chase their dreams but don’t measure their success conventionally. Despite their drive to realize them, they are the least greedy of all blood types and are easy to like if you can ignore their highly critical nature.
O Types are known for their romanticism, ambition and strength in the face of adversity. They make effective mentors and relish acting as caregivers for those less experienced. Good with money, they dedicate a lot of time to work, while they lavish their partners with affection but expect no less in return.
People have blamed having the wrong blood type for the loss of jobs, or for nailing down an important deal. Managers have even organized work teams by blood type to try to ensure office harmony. For example, they may require creativity over stability or maybe someone who is detailed oriented rather than an employee who is a risk taker.
Medical experts have insisted for years that there is no scientific correlation between character and blood type. “It is a modern superstition,” said a professor of social psychology.
But many Japanese are hooked on this idea to discover their perfect lover. For instance, a relationship between Type A and Type B will lead to tension. Instead the best partner for Type A is Type AB or Type O. AB Types can inspire Type B’s but two Type B’s will never get the bills paid. O Types can counterbalance the irresponsibility that comes with dating a Type B. Type A and Type AB can coexist easily while Type AB and Type O make great friends, occasionally become lovers if there’s a strong spark.
All that bloodwork spectacle to raise the level of marital bliss may not be so different than the iconic horoscope I’m familiar with but there is that extra complication of tests and suspense until the result is known. If there isn’t a blood type match that’s where I would draw the line: If my heart says me we should be together — forget what the test endorses!
