ABSTRACT

What goes wrong when two people who are head over heels in love end up killing each other – at least verbally? In order to answer this question, we must first of all go on a grand tour of the mysterious processes of falling in love and developing a relationship. Relationships evolve in a continuously changing spiral. The love affair and the power struggles are described as the impulsive and reactive phase, because it is characterized by spontaneous and instinctive responses. Attraction and love are influenced by: availability; social equality; and difference. The distinguishing characteristics of couples who succeed in establishing a long-term relationship and the couples who separate are the ways in which they manage power struggles. A once vigorous and effervescent love is now glazed over with indifference. The energy and the romance have slipped out of the back door and are now invested in work and other activities.