What's your type? No, not tall, dark and handsome, or strong and silent. It's neat freak versus total slob.

You probably never even thought about it when you were falling for your mate's puppy-dog eyes, but now that you're living together, it's probably one of the first things you notice.

Opposites do attract after all. If you're the neat freak, the clutter and lack of organisation can feel like a personal attack. That pair of shoes left in the middle of the bedroom? It's like a dagger straight to the heart.

Or, if you're the slob, you're constantly feeling browbeaten and nagged. "Why can't I live in my own house how I want?" you think. It's a challenge to coexist with your organisational opposite, so can a Pigpen and a neatnik live happily ever after?

Here are some tips for cohabitating with Your Organisational Opposite:

If You Are the Neat Freak ...

1. It's not about you. Really, it isn't. It might feel like a statement about you or a personal affront if your spouse leaves his dirty socks on the floor, but it's not. Get over it.

2. Ditch the nag. Yes, you will attract more bees with honey, so stop nagging and start using positive reinforcement instead.

3. Establish zones. It sounds like the United Nations, but if you pick a designated slob spot where you partner can make a mess in peace, it can make a huge difference in the way you see things.

If You Are The Slob ...

1. Before you ball up the socks and throw them to the dog to catch, stop and think about how it might be interpreted and who will inevitably be the one picking it up.

2. Make little changes. Small steps go a long way, and if you show that you're working toward being a little less messy, it will be appreciated. Pick one area to improve each month and then keep up the good work.

3. Five minutes really can make a big difference. Set aside five minutes before bed to pick up 10 things and put them away. You'll be amazed at how easy it is, and your neat-freak partner will love you for it.

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