Treat your relationship like a business

I've always wondered how different relationships would be if we were to treat them like businesses.

I mean, people are very clear with expectations and job descriptions in a professional situation. There is usually little room for ambiguity because terms of contracts are usually very clear and details the penalties if the terms are breached.

So, let's see how we can use business practices, and apply them to make relationships more effective.

Instead of dates we have interviews

In an interview, a candidate has to provide a resume beforehand that has certain background information that helps the recruiter to determine the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the applicant.

Taking a look at certain facts from the get-go can help to decide how far you want to go with that person, if at all. While on a date, there is little room for a similar activity of getting to know the prospective partner.

And, on a date, there is little room for verification of information, so you basically have to work with what the person tells you.

Negotiate the contract instead of a wedding

In business, parties meet to discuss the terms of a contract before they embark on an agreement. They negotiate back and forth until all parties are satisfied with the contract and they know what they are getting themselves into.

With marriage vows, the partners really don't specify all the terms of their union before they tie the knot, so many important decisions are made when the problem arises, rather than having a clear plan to deal with the possibility beforehand.

Make offers,

don't just wing it

In business, partners have to be clear about what they are bringing to the table and what they expect to get out of the deal. While in relationships, partners, based on the culture they live in, make assumptions and have expectations about how their lives will be as a couple.

A job description instead of assumptions or

traditional gender roles

In a merger, assets and liabilities are evaluated and they are used to determine what each party is bringing to the union, including talent and skills.

Also, in a merger, the duties of all the parties will be outlined, as well as the targets that they are expected to meet. In many marriages, one partner often feels like they are overworked and this can be the beginning of the end for these marriages.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we lose the love, fulfilment, and intimacy that a person can get in a happy relationship. I just think that there are some lessons that we can take from businesses that will strengthen the overall union and make happier couples.

Many of the decisions that we make about money in a relationship can be better if we apply some business principles when making them.

So, be clear with your needs and ensure that you listen to what your partner expects, so you can determine if that union works for you. Good luck and stay sexy.

Send your questions or comments to sexychatwithshelly@gmail.com or Tweet me @drsexyann or Facebook www.facebook.com/allaboutthesexy Website: www.drsexyann.com

Question

Dear Dr Sexy-Ann,

I was disappointed that I only got flowers on Valentine's Day. I hinted to my boyfriend that I wanted perfume, but he didn't get it.

When I confronted him, he asked me about his present. But I am the present. What is his problem? Valentine's Day is all about women anyway.

Karen, Portmore

Dear Karen,

You are being selfish if you think that you are only supposed to receive on Valentine's Day. Your man wants to feel special too. And please be more gracious about the gift he gave you.

Contrary to what you think, you are not entitled to a gift. It's something that is given at the discretion of the giver.

Now, please go apologise to your boyfriend, and don't be so selfish next time.

Good luck,

Dr Sexy-Ann