Although inconsistent, research findings indicate that men and women self-disclose differently in terms of depth and frequency and interpret disclosures differently during varying stages of their relationships. A review of the literature concerning communication within stable, enduring relationships reveals that, overall, there are no apparent sex differences that account for how men and women stabilize relationships. Inconsistent findings indicate that there are few, if any, psychological gender differences in relationship maintenance communication. However, the sex composition of the dyad seems to affect the nature of communication between partners. For example, developing and de-escalating opposite-sex relationships seem to involve higher risks and greater levels of uncertainty than developing and de-escalating stable or single-sex relationships. In addition, the relationship stage, rather than gender, seems to affect the evaluative nature of verbal interaction between partners. Based on these findings, it is difficult to discern main effects for sex or even psychological gender when examining strategies used to stabilize interpersonal relationships. Risk and uncertainty levels, partner intentions, relationship stage and type, attributions, and relational expectations have greater impact on the communication behaviors individuals use to maintain relationships. (HOD)