The proliferation of dating websites, printed personals and self-help relationship books reflect the new ways Americans seek close, personal relationships. Exposed to changing and often conflicting values, trends, and fashions-disseminated by popular culture, advertising and assorted experts -Americans face uncertainties about the best ways to meet important emotional and social needs. How do we establish lasting and intimate personal relationships including marriage?In Extravagant Expectations Paul Hollander investigates how Americans today pursue romantic relationships, with special reference to the advantages and drawbacks of Internet dating compared to connections made in school, college, and the workplace. By analyzing printed personals, dating websites, and advice offered by pop psychology books, he examines the qualities that people seek in a partner and also assesses the influence of the remaining conventional ideas of romantic love. Hollander suggests that notions of romantic love have changed due to conflicting values and expectations and the impact of pragmatic considerations. Individualism, high expectations, social and geographic mobility, changing sex roles, and the American national character all play a part in this fascinating and finally sobering exploration of men and women to find love and meaning in life. Read more ASIN B004RIOMHI XRay Not Enabled ISBN10 9781566639347 ISBN13 978-1566639347 Edition 1st Language English File size 877 KB Page Flip Enabled Publisher Ivan R. Dee Word Wise Enabled Print length 320 pages Accessibility Learn more Screen Reader Supported Publication date May 16, 2011 Enhanced typesetting Enabled