Relationships, Contracts and the Fine Print

Your friendship is like an unwritten contract.  All friendships should work with terms of what you will accept, what you won’t put up with, and most of all how you will interact with individual relationships.  Most people don’t associate contracts with regular everyday relationships, therefore there can be a huge area of grey confusion amongst friends.

Think of it like this.  When you purchase something (car, home, etc.) there are terms of agreements that apply. Usually somewhere, there is fine print which better define the terms of those agreements. For example you may receive a pre-approved credit card however the fine print says “subject to approval” The fine print clearly states full disclosures of all (even unfavorable) terms or conditions in the contract.

With everyone you meet, you start a contract of sorts, we just don’t put it on paper.

Today, take the steps to redefine contracts with people in your life.  If you feel that you’re taken advantage of, mistreated, or easily dismissed, maybe it’s time to create a contract with fine print that states the terms of that friendship. This is for you – for a better understanding of who you are, and what needs that you have for each relationship you encounter, new or old. 

Want to take it a step further, have a conversation with the individual(s) and let them know what the fine print on your contract is.  If they feel you are a value, they will do what it takes to hold up their end of your contract.