A typology of intimate relationships

A typology of marriages and other intimate relationships is offered based on seven behavioral profiles that partners can exhibit in their interactions with one another. The typology is relatively simple, based upon the main thrust of each partner's behavior in their dyadic system. The intrapsychic and biological factors that are forces in each partner's marriage contract differ for each behavioral profile. The profiles are subject to change as the couples' interactions change. There are 28 possible combinations of the two partners' profiles. These are determined by putting together the two terms that best describe each partner's behavior. The prognosis for the quality of each type of relationship in the typology is discussed.