Same Sex Marriages

             There are similarities that exist between gay and heterosexual couples, according to Ann Peplau (1981, 1988). Regardless of their sexual orientation most people want a close, loving relationship with another person. For lesbians, gay men, and heterosexuals, intimate relationship that provides love, romance, satisfaction, and security.
             Another important difference is that heterosexuals couples tend to adopt a traditional marriage model, whereas gay couples tend to have the "best friend" model. Peplau (1998) observes: A friendship model promotes equality in love relationships. As children we learn that the husband should be "the boss" at home, but friends "share road and share alike". .
             Same-sex marriages friends often have similar interest's skills and resources--- in part because they are exposed to the same gender role socialization in growing up. It is easier to share responsibilities in are relationship when both partners are equally or inept at cooking, making money, and disclosing feelings.
             With this model, tasks and chores are often shared, alternated, or done by the persons who have more time. Usually both members of the couples support themselves; rarely does the financially support the other (Peplau and Gordon, 1982).
             Few lesbians and gay relationships are divided into the traditional heterosexual provider/ homemaker roles. Among heterosexuals, this division is the gender linked as male or female.
             In other cases in which the couples consist of two men and women these traditional gender divisions make no sense. As one gay male remarked: "Whenever I am asked who the husband is and who is the wife, I say, "We just a couple of happily married husbands". Tasks are often divided pragmatically, according to the considerations such as who likes cooking more. (Or dislikes it less) and work schedules. Most gay couples are dual-worker couples; neither partner support or depends on the other economically.