cognitive interdependence
the tendency of individuals in close, committed relationships to think of themselves less in individual terms and more as partners in a dyadic relationship. For example, cognitive interdependence leads people to increase their use of plural pronouns (we, us, our) while decreasing their use of singular pronouns (I, me, my). Cognitive interdependence is thought to reflect mental processes that stem from the meshing of perspectives, goals, and identities that characterizes committed relationships and is most commonly observed in romantic relationships such as marriage.