Everyone can see energy on each other, consciously or un-consciously [sensing].We attract and are attracted to people who are energetic mirrors of us. So for example if I am carrying heartbreak I will attract people who are also carrying heartbreak and/or who are heartbreakers.
So with this in mind, if you want to attract someone different into your life the key is to change your own energetic vibration, if you want to attract more compassionate people into your life you would need to be more compassionate. Be the energetic mirror of who you want to attract.