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Drawing on interviews with UK couples in distance relationships, this book seeks to explain, evaluate and advance sociological debates about intimate life. It provides a rich and human perspective on how bodies, emotions and connections to others are key in maintaining intimate relationships.

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1. Introduction 2. Theorising Distance Relationships 3. Investigating Experiences of Academic-Oriented Distance Relating 4. A Story of Complexity in a Distance Relationship 5. Changing Global Contexts 6. Relationality and Normativity: How Relationships are Made in Interaction 7. Emotional Reflexivity in Intimate Life 8. Conclusion Postscript

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"In this engagingly written book, Holmes addresses current debates on detraditionalisation in a refreshing way. Grounded in empirical research, the complexities of how distance relationships are conducted and experienced are explored in light of the opportunities and tensions afforded by social change and continuity. Using a wide range of literatures on embodiment, relationality and the emotions, Distance Relationships will appeal to both students and academics who are interested in contemporary relationships and intimacy." - Vanessa May, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of Manchester, UK

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Mary Holmes is a Senior Lecturer at the Sociology Department of the University of Edinburgh, UK. She co-authored Heterosexuality in Theory and Practice (2012) with Chris Beasley and Heather Brook. Her other books include Gender and Everyday Life (2009) and What is Gender? (2007).

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