On Intimate Terms

The Psychology of Difference in Lesbian Relationships
Author: Beverly Burch
Paper – $28
978-0-252-06431-9
Publication Date
Paperback: 01/01/1994
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About the Book

On Intimate Terms looks at the internal logic of lesbian relationships, arguing that they are not patterned after heterosexual ones but rely on the interplay of psychosexual differences between women. The book suggests that everyone seeks psychic complementarity with an Other in intimate relationships as a way of supporting personal growth and development. A complementary partner is one who is different in some individually meaningful way, not necessarily in terms of gender.

"A very thoughtful and thought-provoking piece of work. . . . It will be a strong contribution to the fields of lesbian studies, gender relations, and feminist psychoanalysis."
- Diane Ehrensaft, author of Parenting Together: Men and Women Sharing the Care of Their Children