ABSTRACT
Individuals in intimate relationships hold expectations for one another, creating a relationship contract. Sometimes these expectations are explicitly stated; in other cases they are not. Four common contract issues arise in intimate relationships. First, couples can experience problems around not clearly expressing their expectations to each other, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Taking a premarital inventory is one way for couples preparing for marriage to uncover unexpressed expectations. Second, couples may discover that they have conflicting expectations. This section includes factors to assess that may help couples work through these conflicting expectations. Third, life events or transitions may require a couple to renegotiate their contract. Fourth, couples can struggle if there has been a serious breach in their contract, such as an affair. Using the 6 As as a framework (Apologize, Accountability, Acknowledge hurt, Atonement, Answer why, Accumulate trust), the clinician can evaluate which tasks the couple needs to work on to complete their healing.
