Intimacy vs isolation
The sixth of Erikson’s eight stages of development. Adults seek someone with whom to share their lives in an enduring and self sacrificing commitment, they risk profound loneliness and isolation.
Linked lives
Lives in which the success, health and wellbeing of each family member are connected to those of other members, including those of another generation, as in the relationship between parents and children.
Helicopter parents
The label used for parents who hover (like a helicopter) over their emerging-adult children. The term is pejorative, but parental involvement is sometimes helpful.
Snowplow parents
Parents who try to remove any impediments in the way of their children: this term is pejorative; it implies that parents do not allow children to learn how to overcome obstacles on their own.
Hookup
A sexual encounter between two people who are not in a romantic relationship. Neither intimacy nor commitment is expected
Choice overload
Having so many possibilities that a thoughtful choice becomes difficult. This is particularly apparent when social networking and other technology make many potential romantic partners available.
Cohabitation
An arrangement in which a couple lives together in a committed romantic relationship but are not formally married
Situational couple violence
Fighting between romantic partners that is brought in more by the situation then by the deep personality problems of the individuals. Both partners are typically victims and abusers.
Intimate terrorism
A violent and demeaning form of abuse in a romantic relationship, in which the victim (usually female) is frightened to fight back, seek help, or withdraw. In this case, the victim is in danger of physical as well as psychological harm.
