Set 1: What is a relationship?
Bruce and Ginny's specific qualities come together to make their relationship different from every other relationship.
Uniqueness
Relationships are affected by each partner's individual qualities and their interconnected ones.
Joey and Rachel are breaking up because they never talk about what is upsetting them in the relationship.
Resolution
The way that partners communicate about relationship events affects long-term relationship quality and stability
Jack has certain expectations for his relationship, and when Ennis exceeds these expectations, they are happy
Standards
People bring standards into their relationships and are happy when these standards are met or exceeded
Jess gets a new job across the country, and Nick has to decide if he loves Jess enough to move with her so she can fulfill her dreams
Diagnosticity
Many situations provide opportunities to evaluate partner goals and motivations
Luke does not often worry about the state of his relationship because he has been dating his girlfriend Lorelai for 12 years.
Trajectory
Relationships move through stages, and partners' perceptions of the relationship update through these interactions and experiences
Dan and Amy always forgive each other because they trust each other and want to promote their relationship.
Maintenance
Partner's exhibit behaviors to promote the relationship, even if it goes against their wishes, such as making sacrifices and forgiving their partner
Rob and Amber have a shared goal of winning survivor, and they work together to meet this goal
Instrumentality
People bring goals and needs to their relationships, and dynamics between partners affect how they can succeed in meeting these goals
Petra is with Jane, but doesn't know if that is what is best for her after talking with her single friend about how great being single is
Alternatives
The presence of attractive alternatives threatens relationship quality
When asked about what she is going to eat for dinner, Clara responds "We are having chicken noodle soup"
Integration
Interdependence develops in relationships which causes merging between partners
Mal writes a pros and cons list about her relationship with Ben to decide if they should break up or stay together.
Evaluation
People evaluate their relationships based on positive and negative constructs
Predisposition
People's own personalities and temperaments can affect their relationships' wellbeing
Athena and Bobby have been dating for two weeks when Bobby gets fired and his house burns down, so he has a lot going on
Stress
High demands external to the relationship predict worse relationship outcomes
Clark brought Lois a doughnut because he could tell that she was upset and wanted to make her feel better
Responsiveness
Responsive behaviors promote relationship qualities
Kelsey is happier about her relationship with Joey after getting her family's approval
Culture
Relationships are embedded in social networks and cultures that shape the nature of these relationships