Intimate Relationship

Intimate relationships increase the negative consequences of deviant behavior.

• People in intimate, committed relationships are less likely to misuse alcohol and drugs (Maume, Ousey, & Beaver, 2005).
• Intimate relationships help to regulate behavior.

• Happier and healthier ppl. are more attractive to potential Relationship Partners
• IR offers protection effects

• Ppl. are seen as more attractive if they have small flaws they feel a bit embarssed about: Other can relate to them better -> everyone think they're perfect with small flaws
• Maybe similarity is respnsible for the Plattfall Effect: Ppl. are more attracted to ppl. with the same background and values
• Similarity matters less when it comes to personality

The mere-exposure effect is a psychological phenomenon by which people tend to develop a preference for things or ppl. merely because they are familiar with them. In social psychology, this effect is sometimes called the familiarity principle.

Tree ingredients determine the kinde of love people feel for each other:

• Intimacy
• Commitment
• Passion

Neither intimacy, passion, or commitment are present. No connection. Indifference.

Passion without intimacy or commitment. Sometimes referred to as “puppy love” or a crush. Romantic relationships often start out this way and turn into romantic love over time. However, this evolution doesn’t always happen and this type of love is also known to sometimes spontaneously end and disappear, leaving nothing else in its place

Commitment without passion or intimacy. This can happen in instances when someone is desperate for a long-term commitment for other reasons (marriage, children, financial stability, etc.) but doesn’t actually connect with their partner and forces it. It also can be an evolution in a relationship over time that starts out with passion, intimacy, or both but loses those elements.