Final answer:
Ashley is attempting to fulfill her 'love and belonging' needs in Maslow's hierarchy by considering marriage with her business partner.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ashley, who stayed in a foster home from an early age due to the loss of her parents, is now a successful entrepreneur. Currently, she is contemplating marriage with her business partner. In the context of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Ashley is attempting to fulfill her love and belonging needs. This stage comes after physiological and safety needs and before esteem and self-actualization needs.
The desire for intimate relationships and friends is part of the third level in Maslow's hierarchy, which emphasizes the human need for connection, love, and belonging. Since Ashley is already established in her career, it's likely that her basic needs, as well as her need for safety and security, have been met, paving the way for her to focus on fulfilling her social and emotional needs.