What Makes Same-Sex Relationships Endure?

This chapter asks, What contributes to the stability of same-sex couples?—or, in other words, Why do same-sex couples stay together? First, it reviews and critiques the empirical literature on stability and longevity in same-sex couple relationships. It then argues for the utility of more consistently integrating theories from relationship science that focus on investments, commitment, and intimate relationship interaction processes with the theory of minority stress. It suggests this integration will better reflect the lived experience of social stigma that continues to influence same-sex relationship stability. It ends with suggestions for future research to increase knowledge needed to build supportive, evidence-based interventions.