This timely Handbook, by leading scholars of relationships, is the first volume to focus specifically on the varied and complex processes that take place at the very beginning stage of relationships.

Part 1. Introduction. S. Sprecher, A. Wenzel, J. Harvey, Preface. C. A. Bredow, R. M. Cate, T. L. Huston, Have We Met Before? A Conceptual Model of First Romantic Encounters. B. Fehr, Friendship Formation. D. P. Schmitt, An Evolutionary Perspective on Mate Choice and Relationship Initiation. G. Creasey, P. Jarvis, Attachment Theory and Research: A Special Focus on Relationship Initiation. Part 2. The Process of Relationship Initiation. M. R. Cunningham, A. P. Barbee, Prelude to a Kiss: Nonverbal Flirting, Opening Gambits, and Other Communication Dynamics in the Initiation of Romantic Relationships. L. K. Knoblock, L. E. Miller, Uncertainty and Relationship Initiation. W. A. Afifi, A. A. Lucas, Information Seeking in Initial Stages of Relational Development. V. J. Derlega, B. A. Winstead, K. Greene, Self-Disclosure and Starting a Close Relationship. L. K. Guerrero, P. A. Mongeau, On Becoming "More than Friends": The Transition from Friendship to Romantic Relationship. Part 3. Diverse Contexts of Relationship Initiation. X. B. Arriaga, C. R. Agnew, N. M. Capezza, J. J. Lehmiller, The Social and Physical Environment of Relationship Initiation: An Interdependence Analysis. P. W. Eastwick, E. J. Finkel, Speed-Dating: A Powerful and Flexible Paradigm for Studying Relationship Initiation. K. Y. A. McKenna, MySpace or Your Place: Relationship Initiation and Development in the Wired and Wireless World. S. Sprecher, P. Schwartz, J. Harvey, E. Hatfield, Thebusinessoflove.com: Relationship Initiation at Internet Matchmatching Services. Part 4. Attraction and Other Emotions in Relationship Initiation. J. W. Bruce, W. G. Graziano, Attraction and the Initiation of Relationships: A Review of the Empirical Literature. S. Sprecher, D. Felmlee, Insider Perspectives to Attraction. A. Aron, H. E. Fisher, G. Strong, B. Acevedo, S. Riela, I. Tsapelas, Falling in Love. S. S. Hencrick, C. Hendrick, Satisfaction, Love, and Respect in the Initiation of Romantic Relationships. S. Metts, S. L. Mikucki, The Emotional Landscape of Relationship Initiation. Part 5. Challenges and Problematic Relationship Initiation. E. L. Paul, A. Wenzel, J. H. Harvey, Hookups: A Facilitator or a Barrier to Relationship Initiation and Intimacy Development? M. A. Fine, T. A. Coffelt, L. N. Olson, Romantic Relationship Initiation following Relationship Dissolution. W. R. Cupach, B. H. Spitzberg, "Thanks, but No Thanks...." The Occurrence and Management of Unwanted Relationship Pursuit. A. Wenzel, T. B. Kashdan, Emotional Disturbances and the Initial Stages of Relationship Development: Processes and Consequences of Social Anxiety and Depression. Part 6. Cognitions, Beliefs, and Memories About Relationship Initiation. L. Custer, D. Holmberg, K. Blair, T. L. Orbuch, "So How Did You Two Meet?": Narratives of Relationship Initiation. C. R. Knee, A. L. Bush, Relationship Beliefs and Their Role in Relationship Initiation. S. Tran, J. A. Simpson, G. J. O. Fletcher, The Role of Ideal Standards in Relationship Initiation Processes. G. D. Reeder, Perceptions of Goals and Motives in Romantic Relationships. Part 7. Commentary. D. Perlman, Ending the Beginning of Relationships.