The paper examines social changes which influence the lives of all adults, particularly in areas of relationships between men and women and the balance between interpersonal relationships and jobs. The objective is to help college students understand cultural changes which have taken place in American society so that they will be better prepared to enter adult life. The paper is presented in five sections. Section I focuses on sex roles in transition and explains why the balance between homemaking (women's traditional work) and wage earning (men's traditional work) is no longer viable. Section II identifies role conflicts faced by wives who wish to follow professional careers and husbands who wish to share duties in the household and family. Section III describes types of commitments frequently made by adults, including commitments to other individuals, friends, occupations, and children. Section IV poses key questions to ask when setting priorities and making decisions regarding commitments: 1) Is a long term relationship a major priority? 2) How important are friendships? 3) Whose work takes priority? and 4) What priority do children have? The final section suggests how to organize a balance between life choices. Suggestions include talking to people in similar situations, planning systematically, keeping a measured pace, and delegating responsibility. (DB)