[phreack]

My best experiences with pair programming have been with people that I trust a great deal, enough to know that we'll definitely still be cool after arguing code. I don't think it'd be of any use at all unless we were both comfortable enough with each other to be intellectually honest, and able to both criticize our opinions and agree with them when appropriate.

Some people are afraid of conflict and would rather agree when they really don't, some other people are just looking to "win" or always poke holes at everything but their own takes, both types aren't very useful in the end.

In my experience, when you find that sweet spot with someone who complements you, pairing up is just the best, definitely more than the sum of our parts.