Introduction

Abstract

The attempt to understand romantic loving has become big business. The popularity of matchmaking industries, internet dating, romance novels, relationship self-help books, and celebrity relationship counselors are just a few examples of how the dynamics of loving relationships remain of perennial interest. Expectations about romantic loving are grand, but there seems to be an issue with the way we understand it because reality often falls short of the ideal. Romantic loving suggests images of perfect happiness, harmony, understanding, and intimacy that make the lovers feel as if they are made for each other. The ideal is alluring but flawed, because romantic loving often involves conflicts and disappointments.