They display relatively unconventional values about relational and family life. Independent couples value connection and personal autonomy. When conflict arises, they openly engage the issue(s), but avoid using negative communication (Fitzpatrick, 1988). These couples view gender in a traditional way and often split duties based on gender roles. Traditional couples are highly interdependent and display relatively conventional ideological values. Let’s take a closer look at four types of couples: traditional, independent, separate and mixed. Each couple-type’s attitudes and beliefs about their partner and relationship influences communication patterns, responses to conflict and level of relational satisfaction. Instead this definition focuses on interactions (i.e., mutual, ongoing and voluntary) and expressions (i.e., affection and intimacy).įitzpatrick (1988) argued that gender differences played a role in defining a variety of couple-types. For example, marital status and partner gender is ambiguous. This definition reflects contemporary ideas about romantic relationships. In recent years (and for many reasons), the lines regarding romantic relationships has blurred.Ī romantic relationship is defined as mutual, ongoing and voluntary interactions between two partners that is characterized by specific expressions of affection and intimacy (Collins, et al., 2009). This distinction also described well-defined social norms that dictated acceptable behaviors and interactions for each type of couple. Couples were referred to as premarital (if they weren’t married) or marital (if they were). Traditionally a specific event (i.e., a wedding) determined the status of a romantic relationship. To better understand this purpose, let’s begin by exploring the changing definition of a romantic relationship. The images and words we are bombarded with in media serve a purpose. They further argue that the satisfaction we receive from romantic relationships cannot be obtained through nonromantic relationships (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Baumeister and Leary (1995) suggest that the need to belong, and develop significant, positive interpersonal relationships is a fundamental human motivation. These messages remind us of our basic emotional needs and desires for close interpersonal relationships. We even see romance in sports, when one partner proposes to another on the big screen. We read about it in literature, fortune cookies and astrology. We see it depicted in movies, television shows and advertisements.
Romance is everywhere in Western culture.
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