Science says ambivalence may be a desirable trait

Ambivalence can lead to both occupational success as well as interpersonal success. This may be because the proclivity to observe the positives and negatives of a situation and/or colleague allows people to make the most out of any given opportunity.

“Ambivalent relationships” may be a useful thing too. The phrase refers to partnerships that are as tension-inducing as they are productive. This would include frenemies. In other recent research, Julianne Holt-Lunstad from Brigham Young University and Bert Uchino from the University of Utah found that frenemies within an organization often display increased creative problem-solving capabilities as well as more informed decision-making.

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