A Relationship Contract might save you headaches and heartaches further down the road. But what is it?
Like a work contract, a relationship contract clarifies for both parties the expectations involved in a relationship. Such a contract spells out how couples will handle important issues, and thus minimizes future conflicts when things are clear from the get-go.
Some important items to be considered:
- Romantic needs
- Sexual needs
- Division of responsibilities
- Nature of exclusivity
- Boundaries around family and friends
What the contract might specify (not an exclusive list):
- Number of date nights per week
- When and how often to check in with each other
- Sexual needs (e.g., have sex twice a week)
- Nature of exclusivity (e.g. no alone dates with the opposite sex)
- Connection time (e.g., screen-off during date nights)
- Financial arrangements (e.g., bills are split evenly)
- Family obligations (e.g., family dinner once a month)
- Responsibilities (e.g., who makes holiday arrangements)