Couples

A couple is two individuals who share a close romantic or intimate relationship. The term commonly refers to people who are dating, engaged, or married, and it can apply to both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ partnerships. The meanings and expectations of a couple vary across cultures and individuals.

Couples may be at different stages, from dating or cohabiting partners to legally married or civilly partnered pairs. Some jurisdictions recognize registered partnerships and domestic partnerships with defined rights and obligations.

In many relationships, couples provide companionship, emotional support, and mutual aid. They may share finances, living arrangements, household responsibilities, and in some cases parenting. Effective communication, trust, consent, and respect are commonly emphasized as foundations of healthy dynamics.

Legal and social frameworks shape couples through marriage laws, property and inheritance rights, and parental responsibilities. Social norms about romance, dating, gender roles, and family formation differ across cultures and historical periods.

Cultural variations include practices such as arranged marriages in some regions, alongside changing attitudes toward dating, cohabitation, and nontraditional relationship structures in others.

Common challenges for couples include conflict, jealousy, financial strain, and balancing personal goals with shared life. Successful couples often rely on communication, empathy, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving to maintain closeness over time.