ABSTRACT
As many researchers (e.g., Fletcher, 2002; Hinde, 1996) have noted, people tend to assume that knowledge and understanding of relationships is acquired readily and without scientific analysis. After all, we have all experienced relationships (and devoted time and energy to thinking about them), as far back as we can remember, and our culture provides us with a wealth of advice and stereotypes about relationships. However, these same researchers have pointed out the pitfalls of such “folk psychology” about relationships (including its often flawed and sometimes contradictory conclusions), and have clearly argued the need for a science of personal relationships.
