<P> The overall relationship between Marissa and her mother, Julie Cooper, is full of angst, rebellion, misunderstanding and miscommunication . Beginning with the fling between Julie and Marissa's ex-boyfriend Luke Ward, the strain in the two's relationship increases throughout the course of the show . After Marissa's father Jimmy Cooper and Julie divorce, Julie treats Marissa as second tier to her many wealthy, successful boyfriends and fiancés in an attempt to save her own social and monetary status . The troubled Marissa is then left to deal with her friendship, alcoholic, and depression issue alone, without the help of Julie . The mother - daughter duo move from their home neighboring the Cohens, to Caleb Nichol's home, to a mobile home during their time of financial hardship . </P> <P> Summer Roberts, Marissa's best friend, is a girl that Marissa often leans on in both happy and sad times . Marissa's nickname for Summer, "Sum," emphasizes the two's bond . Together, Marissa and Summer are the popular girls at school: Summer the socialite, and Marissa the over-achieving, beautiful girl many long to be . The friendship between Summer and Marissa is further strengthened by the boyfriends they often have: best friends, and "brothers," Seth Cohen and Ryan Atwood, as many group hang - outs and double dates occur . After every fight between Marissa's on - and - off - again boyfriend, Ryan, Summer is the first by Marissa's side--a supportive and comforting friend asking what went wrong . Summer becomes a positive force in Marissa's life . For instance, Summer helps Marissa out of the hospital in episode 8, is open to Marissa's fluid sexuality in episode 24, and has enough faith in Marissa despite her problematic behavior that she buys her a Berkeley sweatshirt in episode 71 . Their friendship offers strong signs of female solidarity and is unique in that it is shown as a source of support and a catalyst for empowerment . </P> <P> Marissa's first romantic relationship on the show is with water polo player Luke Ward . Their relationship begins prior to the Premiere . Marissa and Luke's relationship stems back to the fifth grade on a class trip to the Museum of Tolerance . After much hesitation, Marissa decides to lose her virginity to Luke . Issues in Marissa and Luke's relationship constantly arise, making the viewer question if they really are in love . On a trip to Tijuana, Marissa discovers Luke cheating on her with one of her friends, Holly Fischer, on the dance floor in a club . Marissa breaks up with Luke, who later begins an affair with her mother, Julie Cooper . Luke and Marissa's tumultuous relationship evolves into a mature friendship by the second season . The two realize that they may not be the most compatible couple but can benefit from each other's friendship and support . </P> <P> There is controversy surrounding Marissa Cooper's character and how she is perceived . Some viewers perceived Marissa's behavior negatively, viewing her as a poor role model at times . Specifically, her behavior had a negative influence on unhealthy consumption of alcohol . Marissa's use of drugs and alcohol to cope with her mental issues and emotional stress provides a poor influence for the show's viewers . Marissa is depicted several times drinking alcohol alone behind locked doors . Some viewers did not want to follow in Marissa's footsteps due to her constant destructive behavior . She became entertaining to watch on television but not someone that viewers wanted to mirror . </P>

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