ABSTRACT
This chapter explores what draws romantic partners together as well as factors that affect the development of romantic relationships. We review models of romantic relationship development that show the variety of pathways by which people progress into couplehood. The chapter examines individual, couple, and contextual factors that affect relationship development. Our review of individual factors shows some change over time in both mate preferences (e.g., physical attractiveness, chastity, financial resources, mutual love/attraction) and individual attributes (e.g., age, past relationship experiences, relationship beliefs) that affect readiness for a relationship. In an analysis of couple factors, we explore partner compatibility (e.g., assortative mating) and communication (e.g., initiating, experimenting, intensifying, integrating, and bonding communication) in developing relationships. Finally, we consider that contextual factors like one’s social network, long distance, and recent developments in online dating services and apps also play a role in how people meet and develop relationships. Finally, we examine cohabitation by exploring what motivates so many couples to cohabit and whether cohabitation is associated with relational quality and stability.
