Sexual Relationships Are Motivated by Many Factors
Demographic Factors Affect Sexual Attitudes
Box 7.1 Who May Marry?
Casual Sex Has More Appeal to Men than to Women
Hooking up—the new norm?
Box 7.2 Straight Women, Gay Sex
The hookup culture—some like it, some loathe it
Casual sex is more accepted in the gay male community
Negotiating sex involves flirting
Non-Cohabiting Relationships Are Often Short-Lived
Long-distance relationships can be very successful
Same-sex relationships have their own scripts
Non-cohabiting relationships may evolve rapidly
Love Cements Many Sexual Relationships
There are different kinds of love
Liking and reciprocal attraction precede falling in love
Researchers are probing the biological basis of love
Life Experiences Mold Our Sexual Relationships
Relationship styles are influenced by childhood attachments
Couples in relationships resemble each other
Communication Is a Key Factor in the Success of Relationships
Communication may be inhibited by upbringing or by the gender barrier
Marriage and relationship education teaches communication skills
How couples deal with conflict affects the stability of their relationships
In sexual relationships, sex matters
Box 7.3 Lasting Relationships: Gottman’s Seven Principles
Love, Jealousy, and Infidelity Are Intertwined
Jealousy can have a positive function
Unrequited Love Is Painful for Both Parties
The rejector may experience guilt
Extra-Pair Relationships Have Many Styles and Motivations
Personal and evolutionary factors influence infidelity
Box 7.4 We Just Clicked
Extra-pair relationships are uncommon
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