Let’s be honest, starting the conversation about a relationship agreement with your partner can feel uncomfortable. However, it’s an important conversation that can lay the foundation for a secure future together. A relationship agreement is like insurance for your partnership: you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
Here are some tips on how to broach this topic respectfully and effectively.
- Timing is Key: Choose a time when you and your partner are both relaxed and free from distractions. Avoid bringing up the topic during heated arguments or stressful situations.
- Approach with Sensitivity: Begin the conversation by expressing your love and commitment to your partner. Emphasize that discussing a relationship agreement is not a reflection of distrust or a lack of faith in the relationship, but rather a proactive step to protect both parties’ interests, and to allow your relationship to end with love if life takes you in different directions in the future.
- Focus on Financial Planning: Frame the discussion around financial planning and security for the future. Highlight the benefits of a relationship agreement in terms of clarifying financial expectations, protecting assets, and ensuring a fair and collaborative resolution in the event of separation or divorce.
- Be Honest and Transparent: Share your reasons for considering a relationship agreement openly and honestly. Encourage your partner to do the same. Transparency is essential for building trust and understanding between both parties.
- Listen Actively: Be prepared to listen to your partner’s concerns, questions, and perspective. The best relationship agreements take both party’s feelings and input into consideration throughout the process.
- Give Each Other Time: Remember that discussing a relationship agreement is a process, not a one-time conversation. Give yourselves time to digest the information, reflect on your feelings, and revisit the topic as needed.
- Get Jointly: Review Jointly’s course materials together so you understand your rights and the different options. Then, fill out the questionnaire to build a relationship agreement that works for both of you.
Talking to your partner about getting a relationship agreement requires patience, empathy, and open communication. By approaching the conversation with sensitivity and a focus on mutual understanding, you can navigate this potentially delicate subject together and strengthen the foundation of your relationship for the future.
Ready to get started? Click here.
Aimee SchallesHi, I'm Aimee, a co-founder of Jointly. I’ve been working as a lawyer in British Columbia for over ten years. I run a small law firm and love helping people solve everyday problems. I’ve seen the difficulties that ordinary people face in accessing reliable legal services. I’ve also seen many friends and clients go through challenging separations that could have been improved if they’d have had a prenup or cohabitation agreement. I hope Jointly helps people make the relationship agreement they’ve been thinking about!
Latest posts by Aimee Schalles (
see all)
Text-Only Version