ABSTRACT
People have been observing couples interact since the dawn of time: “Did you see
the way he ignored her at the party?”… “Wasn’t that elderly couple sweet? I hope
we’re that affectionate with each other when we get older.”… “I wonder if their
marriage is in trouble. No matter what one says, the other disagrees.”… “They’re
going to have a hard time coping with the medical problems, but if anyone can do
it, they can. They are so supportive of each other.” Over the past several decades,
couple researchers have joined the brigade of “people watchers,” focusing on the
interactions that occur in these most important intimate relationships.
