Despite its legal-sounding moniker, a relationship contract isn't a binding agreement. Rather, it's a tool for couples to express their needs and work together to craft the parameters of their own unique relationship roadmap: including anything and everything from health and housework, to sex and intimacy.

Writer Mandy Len Catron says crafting a relationship contract is a powerful exercise that "steers couples away from those problematic, passive notions of romance and toward agency and thoughtfulness in our love lives."

In this Life Kit episode, Catron shares her tips and takeaways for creating a useful relationship contract.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Here's How Relationship Contracts Can Help Couples

Everyone needs a little help being a human. From sleep to saving money to parenting and more, host Marielle Segarra talks to experts to get the best advice out there. Life Kit is here to help you get it together.

Want another life hack? Try Life Kit+. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks an exclusive sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Business

Investing

Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

Shopping

Kids & Family

Health & Fitness

Self-Improvement

Between RSVPs, gifts and familial expectations — weddings are chock full of tricky situations. Here's how to handle three thorny situations on the big day.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Dear Life Kit: Your wedding etiquette questions, answered

There are options beyond living solo or with roommates — and one of them is called 'communal living.' In this arrangement, people don't just simply live together, but share resources and create community. In this episode, co-living enthusiasts explain how it works and how to decide whether it's right for you.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

What is 'communal living' and is it right for me?

People of all ages are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but few know how to protect against it. This episode, build out your ear care routine with the help of hearing experts — and get surprising advice on phone volume, noise exposure and Q-tips.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Protect your ears from hearing loss

Techniques to help you make decisions with more confidence and get the outcome you want.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Negotiation tactics for everyday life

Age-appropriate prompts and questions that can help start a productive conversation about vaping nicotine and e-cigarettes with your child.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Here's How Relationship Contracts Can Help Couples

Download our free app to listen on your phone