Having 'The Talk': Examining the Initiation and Construction Themes Associated with the Discussion of Exclusivity in Romantic Relationships

• In Event: Initiating, Developing, and Maintaining Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Labeled as "the talk," the state of the relationship discussion that is associated with making the relationship exclusive is both a major turning point in relationships, and the most avoided topic in all of romantic relationships. Through interviews this study examined how individuals in satisfied romantic relationships initate and construct this very difficult topic. Results showed three consistent themes for both initiating and constructing this topic. Implications and areas of future research are also discussed.

Author

• Mike Anderson, University of Kansas