Like charges will repel, unlike charges. The same is true for the magnetic fields. When you take two of the same type of magnets, you can see if you can find out which poles are similar (both south or both north). A separation between magnets affects the force each exerts on the other isn't simply due to the fact that in the use of the magnetic pole model, poles always come in pairs. It would be much simpler if it would be possible to have a single magnetic pole on one magnet interacting with a single pole on the other, but this doesn't happen.
I hope this helps
