The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them

The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them

Year: 1992

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Matthew Meshekoff

ComedyRomance

David becomes smitten with Carrie, a witty and affluent woman, after an awkward first meeting where he inadvertently offends her in a Boston bar. Their paths cross again; despite her lingering disdain, David’s persistence and charm gradually win her over, leading to an unexpected romance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them (1992)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them (1992). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s

The narrative unfolds in a contemporary urban setting, reflective of early 1990s dating culture. Without smartphones, characters rely on direct conversations, chance encounters, and social circles to meet and connect. The era's casual attitudes toward dating and commitment frame the relationship's progression from flirtation to marriage.

Location

Bar, Baseball stadium, David's apartment, Carrie's workplace

The narrative unfolds across urban venues, beginning in a lively bar where David and Carrie first connect. It moves to a baseball game where fate nudges them together again, before shifting to the private spaces of their homes and Carrie's workplace that shape their relationship. The film uses these everyday locations to explore how romance grows and changes in public and private life.

❄️ Urban 🎭 Romantic comedy 🏙️ Bar setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:04

Main Characters – The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them (1992)

Meet the key characters of The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them (1992), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Crown - Arye Gross

David is a thoughtful, hopeful romantic who learns that love requires vulnerability and commitment. He oscillates between fear of losing the connection and desire for a lasting bond, ultimately choosing to propose. He grows through introspection, friendships, and shared experiences, especially his relationship with Carrie. His journey explores how men balance independence with partnership.

💖 Romantic 🧭 Commitment 🎭 Self-discovery

Carrie Davenport - Courteney Cox

Carrie is introspective and independent, initially wary of marriage’s impact on her identity. She navigates the push-pull of desire and doubt, ultimately embracing a deeper connection with David. Her journey centers on self-discovery within a relationship and the negotiating of personal space and shared life.

💖 Romantic 🧭 Identity 👪 Relationship dynamics

Zoe - Julie Brown

Zoe is Carrie's friend/roommate who injects humor and practical perspective into the relationship. She acts as a confidante who helps Carrie and David confront doubts and make informed choices. Her role illustrates how friendship can influence love and life decisions.

💬 Friend 🤝 Advisor 🎭 Truth-teller

Eli - Kevin Pollak

Eli is David's childhood friend whose fear of commitment primes the central conflict. His cynicism about love masks vulnerability and a desire to settle down with the right person. He acts as a foil to David and Carrie, highlighting that fear can undermine happiness.

💬 Friend 🧭 Commitment fear 🎭 Foil

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:04

Major Themes – The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them (1992)

Explore the central themes of The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them (1992), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Romance & Commitment

David and Carrie's relationship evolves from casual dates to a deep emotional bond. They move in together and share intimate moments, only to be unsettled by fears of commitment and the influence of friends and family. The film threads humor and vulnerability as they navigate doubts, breakups, and a renewed connection. The finale - an interfaith wedding - signals a mature commitment that transcends initial attraction.

🗨️ Communication & Self-Expression

Several characters break the fourth wall to reveal inner thoughts, offering a meta-commentary on romance and expectations. This direct dialogue illuminates how fear, desire, and miscommunication shape relationships. The film uses humor and honesty to reveal characters' true motivations and insecurities. The balance of frank conversations helps move the romance forward.

👪 Family & Social Pressure

Interventions by parents during 'meet the family' scenes highlight how advice and expectations shape romance. The fear of disappointing loved ones fuels David and Carrie's doubts about moving forward. The wedding's cross-cultural rites reflect both personal choice and the influence of tradition. Ultimately, the film suggests that supportive, understanding partners matter more than external approval.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:04

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The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them Summary

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The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them Summary

The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them Timeline

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The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them Timeline

More About The Opposite Sex and How to Live with Them

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