Commitment and Trust in Close Relationships

Abstract

Sometimes everyday involvement with a close partner is relatively easy. When partners' goals are compatible and their circumstances of interdependence are congenial, couples can readily achieve desirable outcomes such as intimacy, companionship, and security. The true test of a relationship arises when existing circumstances are not so congenial—when partners confront problematic constraints or dilemmas centering on differing activity preferences, hostile patterns of interaction, extrarelationship temptation, or incompatible life goals. In such situations, the immediate interests of one or both individuals may well be incompatible with the interests of the partner or relationship. Behavior in such uncongenial situations is revealing of individuals' dispositions, values, and goals.