This comprehensive volume offers a timely, readable, and multidisciplinary portrait of sexuality in the context of close relationships. The authors present an extensive look at current theory and research in the area of sexually based primary relationships paying close attention to sexual satisfaction and sexual coercion. Examined specifically are dating, cohabitating, and marital relationships. Both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are explored. Other topics discussed are sexual standards, predictors of sexual attraction, sexual scripts, the initiation of sex, negotiating safe-sex behaviors, and the types of couples most sexually satisfied-and why.