Magnets don't attract each other *sometimes* and repel each other *sometimes*. They have a consistent behavior based on their poles:

* Like poles repel: If you bring two north poles (N-N) or two south poles (S-S) of magnets together, they will push each other away.

* Opposite poles attract: If you bring a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) together, they will pull towards each other.

Here's why this happens:

* Magnetic fields: Magnets create an invisible field around them called a magnetic field. This field has lines of force that go from the north pole to the south pole.

* Interaction of fields: When two magnets interact, their magnetic fields influence each other. If the fields are aligned in the same direction (like poles), the lines of force clash, resulting in repulsion. If the fields are aligned in opposite directions (opposite poles), the lines of force merge, creating an attraction.

Think of it like this:

Imagine magnets have little "invisible arms" that reach out from their poles. When these "arms" meet, they either push or pull depending on the direction they are facing.

Let me know if you'd like to know more about magnetism!