Relationship Work

Abstract

Couples complete a range of relationship practices to sustain their long-term partnerships. Relationship work here is more than the drudgeries of domesticity. It offers couples the opportunity to embrace their relationship – through the pleasures of physical closeness – and to nurture their relationship – emotionally, practically and symbolically through practices of togetherness which carve out shared time and create couple memories. The personal meanings of relationship work are valued more than their cultural reference points; knowing gestures and familiar relationship practices demonstrate intimate depth of understanding and investment in the long-term couple relationship. Ordinary everyday activities are often perceived as the most meaningful, for example mothers particularly valued being made a cup of tea and/or breakfast in bed.