ABSTRACT
Popular images of romance tend to suggest an idyllic bond between partners; intimacy, as portrayed in movies, television, books and other media, is a spontaneous, mutually fulfilling experience. Yet few of us would dispute that romantic intimate relationships can be more complicated than that. It is difficult for individuals to agree about what a "good relationship" entails, and who should be responsible for which kinds of duties. For all the carefree popculture imagery, the fact remains that intimacy is not free of conflict and involves tough decisions.
