This investigation of the dissolution of dating relationships was based on the surveys of 78 subjects. Subjects who reported being the rejectee experienced more distress than subjects who reported being the initiators or subjects who reported mutual breakups. As the length of the relationship increased, distress over the breakup increased. One component of the study examined the transformation of romantic relationships to cross-sex friendships. Nearly half of the subjects reported that they were either friends, close friends, or best friends with their former partner. The two variables which showed a significant correlation with friendship after dating were friendship prior to dating and the use of indirect communication strategies to bring about the breakup. There were substantial implications for future research with regard to relationship dissolution and friendship after the breakup
