ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with how the expectations for the development of romantic relationships can cause potential problems. For example, one of the escalating memory structure expectations is overcoming a crisis. This expectation opens the door to potential problems in a relationship insofar as overcoming a crisis results in increased conflict. As indicated in chapters 2 and chapter 6, relationships are characterized by dialectic needs. For example, a commonly mentioned escalating memory structure expectancy is sharing time together or engaging in joint activities; yet it is possible for one partner to believe that the couple is spending too much time together and to want time alone. Another common memory structure expectation is self-disclosure. Yet studies by Burgoon, Parrott, LePoire, Kelley, Walther, and Penny (1989) reveal how privacy maintenance may be a goal in some relationships. Too much disclosure makes some partners uncomfortable, or relational partners may wish to keep confidences in various areas. As a result, they may withdraw from interaction in order to restore a desirable level of privacy.
