ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the nature of women's close relationships—including friendships, romantic relationships, marriage and other long-term relationships, unattached lifestyles, and motherhood. It examines women's relationships in the later years with their siblings, adult children, grandchildren, and parents. Close relationships are essential to good mental health and well-being. Committed relationships can take several different forms. Among heterosexuals, the most common type of committed relationship by far is marriage. Cohabitation has increased in recent years, often as a prelude to marriage. Living apart together, LAT relationships combine intimacy and commitment with personal autonomy and independence. Lesbian relationships tend to be egalitarian, with household activities and other relationship behaviors determined through negotiation and based more on individual skills and interests than on rigid gendered conceptions of appropriate behaviors. One of the most intimate relationships a woman can experience is her relationship with her child.
