Abstract
Close social partners play an integral role in the emotional fabric of our daily lives. The current study examined how different types of social network members relate to our overall emotional experience as well as momentary daily experiences Older men and women (N=313) reported ten of the most important members in their social network. After this interview, they participated in an Ecological Momentary Assessment study across approximately five days. Four times each day, participants provided information about their social partners and their current positive and negative emotional experiences. Results highlight the role of spouses, friends, and other family members in shaping overall daily emotional experience as the predominantly positive emotions they experienced throughout the day. Interactions with grandchildren, although relatively infrequent, were particularly positive.