Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Your Dating Contract Guide to Love and Laughter
Creating a dating contract for yourself can be a powerful tool for maintaining clarity, self-respect, and ultimately, finding a fulfilling relationship. It's essentially a set of guidelines and boundaries that you set outlining what you're looking for in a partner, what you're not willing to compromise on and how you want to approach the dating process as a whole.
Now, let's be real – we've all broken contracts at some point in our lives, whether it's the unspoken agreement to avoid that second slice of cake or the solemn vow to never binge-watch Netflix on a work day (oops). But when it comes to matters of the heart, breaking those terms could affect how you navigate relationships or cause you to settle for less than what you deserve.
First and foremost, it's crucial to identify your non-negotiables. These are the qualities or values that are absolutely essential in a partner and cannot be compromised. They could include things like honesty, respect, ambition, religious beliefs or shared interests and values. By clearly defining these non-negotiables, you establish a solid foundation for your dating journey, ensuring that you don't settle for just anybody, but remain patient and optimistic while eagerly anticipating your somebody!
Next, it's important to outline what you want in a partner. This could include qualities you find attractive, common interests, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. Once you begin to articulate your desires, you have now created a roadmap to follow and a benchmark to measure potential partners against. Additionally, it should outline what dating looks like for you. What is your stance on setting boundaries around communication, physical intimacy, work/life balance or the overall pace of the relationship? Be honest with yourself, and hold yourself accountable to the standards and boundaries you've set. By adhering to what is written down, you will then begin to honor honoring yourself and your values, ultimately increasing the likelihood of finding a compatible and fulfilling relationship.
A good rule of thumb is reviewing it daily, maybe while indulging in your morning coffee, or sipping on your evening cup of tea. Share it with loved ones for some extra laughs and support, turning it into a bonding activity over brunch or a cozy night in. And hey, while you're at it, keep that hopeful heart alive – because amidst all the swiping and awkward first dates, love has a funny way of sneaking in when you least expect it. So, keep those spirits high, enjoy the ride, and who knows? You might just stumble upon your own happily ever after along the way.