Challenging a commonly held assumption that men and women hail from different psychological and social "planets," this illuminating work reexamines what the empirical research really shows about how the sexes communicate in close relationships. The volume demonstrates that stereotypical beliefs about men and women fail to predict their actual interaction behavior, and highlights evidence of similarities - as well as differences - between the two groups. Setting forth an integrative theory of gender differences, the authors propose that communication behavior in different activities is the means by which sex and gender role expectations are created and sustained. This volume is suitable for students, scholars, and researchers in communication, social psychology, marriage and family studies, and gender studies as well as clinicians working with individuals, couples, and families.