Susan Blackburn Psychology

Relationship Agreements

We frequently take for granted that our relationships, including romantic, family, sibling, friendship and all others, operate through many spoken and unspoken relationship agreements.

When relationships break down, more often than not, a key relationship agreement (or rule) has been breached.

Can you think of some of the relationship agreements that are operating in any of your significant relationships?

Some common examples of agreements in romantic relationships are:

  1. Monogamy (although it’s the norm it doesn’t work for everyone to talk about it and don’t assume)
  2. How much time is spent together and apart (how much time with family, friends, sports, hobbies…)
  3. Amount of privacy allowed (e.g. do you share your password privacy for email, social media or smartphones)
  4. Daily telephone contact (how much is enough/too little)

When an unspoken ‘rule’ or agreement is broken this can be more difficult to handle because it’s never been discussed or even promised. One person in the relationship might have come to rely on something that the other person didn’t even consider was so important.

In order to work it out, consider that the other person usually has positive intent, or the desire to please you. Although it may seem intentional, the other person is usually unaware that the breach has hurt you.

So, speak up in a direct and friendly manner and be willing to verbalize the unspoken agreements operating within your relationship(s).

With cooperation, relationship agreements can easily be renegotiated and strengthened. In fact, in long-term committed relationships, in particular, consider setting time aside to renegotiate your relationship agreements every 6 months.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with relationship agreements!

Share

Susan Blackburn

Susan Blackburn

About Susan Blackburn:

Susan Blackburn, M.A., C.Psych. is a Registered Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Counsellor & Therapist in Toronto at Yonge Eglinton, a Published Author and a guest Relationship Expert on radio and television.

Susan enjoys working with people to enhance the quality of their lives. Her collaborative psychotherapy and counselling approach offers clients effective tools and strategies to increase happiness, manage stress, find balance, improve confidence, embrace self care and focus on the positive so that they can relax and enjoy life.

Services are covered under most extended health benefits and workplace insurance plans requiring clients be seen by a Registered Psychologist through her registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

Susan is the owner of Susan Blackburn Psychology a boutique therapy private practice located in midtown Toronto at Yonge and Eglinton.

Recent Posts

Book an Appointment!

Sign up and receive our free Stress Relief eGuide!

Download E-Guide

Thank you!

Click here to download Stress Relief eGuide.