... and power are the most important factors of the relationship. Blumstein & Schwartz (1983) found that lack of power equality played a dominant role in the ending of gay and lesbian relationships, but not of heterosexual marriages. This would imply that there are clear differences between heterosexual and homosexual relationships. Yip (1999) suggested that homosexuals seem to embrace "the ethic of equality and reciprocity". Although it is fair to say that individual differences play a major role especially in homosexual relationships. For example, when referring to the equity theory of maintenance of relationships, homosexual relationships that are equitable should last longer than heterosexual relationships. This is when individual differences play a major role, such as the effect of past relationships. But the suggestion still remains that homosexual relationships that are equitable should last longer than heterosexual relationships. This is challenged by Kitzinger and Coyle (1995), who pointed out that "lesbian ...

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