The Contract - A Defined Approach on Dating/Relationships

by Ernest Smith

We have all heard the quote, “Say what you mean and mean what you say,” and this is especially true in relationships.

The A Defined Approach on Dating/ Relationships helps you take a no “guess work” approach to dating and committed relationships by providing you with a straightforward, honest look at the issues and concerns you face when moving from friends to more.

The Contract demystifies the “He Said/ She Thought” (and vice versa) trap we often find ourselves in when we fail to communicate our relationships wants and needs. It offers practical application and advice on everything from who pays for what during the dating/courtship phase to understanding your role as a friend with benefits.

Inside, you will find a sample written agreement, or contract, to use as a guideline when entering dating (or more serious) relationships to help you better communicate your wants and needs, meet any relationship expectations, determine if you and your mate are on the same page, and to verify that there were no mind games being played.

The Contract takes into consideration all the core beliefs, behaviors and benefits of modern relationships and helps you negotiate all the relevant issues so that you can build the type of relationship you really want.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2012

Reviews

[Catherine Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read to start the year. It is a great book for the single ladies to get insights in the dating field. What I like most about the book was, it acknowledge God and the teachings of the Bible. It gives tips of knowing the other (potential) person and giving sample scenarios. Though book can be more in-depth, I would still recommend the book. There are questions on each chapter to answer that can help you identify and give you idea of your status or where you stand in your relationship. Quick read and helpful.

[Jlovesherbooks🩷 · Rating 1 out of 5]

If using this book for relationships advice I would not suggest this. It is my belief this book will deteriorate the natural flow of a healthy relationship. While having expectations is realistic and appropriate, placing them in a contract would put unnecessary time frames on new encounters.

[Brandon B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the different aspects of dating and relationships gathered from life experiences, personal research, and focused polling. The author addresses the many stages that couples go through and the challenging viewpoints for both parties involved. I love how each segment has prompted questions for self reflection.

[Christine Baptiste · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times he takes too much of a business like approach to relationships. There's a bit of romance taken out of the equation when you're asking your partner on a date if they're jealous or competitive, had a vasectomy, what your credit score is, when will this relationship become physical, does sex imply commitment, would you willing to submit to a background check or a drug test etc... Seems like a lot. Sure I would like to know shouldn't that be something revealed/discussed over time. At other times it feels like this was written to atone for mistakes that he made in the past, and to market himself as a good man.
Positive: He does bring up very serious points, and questions that you and your partner should discuss before they become a problem. What are your expectations when it comes to religion? Do you want a partner that goes to church with you every Sunday? If your partner requires a loan will it be paid back? Money/Children/STDs all topics that may be hard to broach but necessary. He makes it easy by having a set of yes and no questions about all those topics to discuss with your partner. All in all a good read if your single and looking, it helps you figure out the questions you never thought to ask because either you didn't realize it was important to you until reading the book or just didn't know how.

[Lisa Muhammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

*****RATING 4.5 STARS ******

This book is a different kind of read. It helps any and all types of relationships whether it is a man/woman, mother/son, dad/daughter etc. It opens the lines of communication and forces you to examine or re-examine different topics which may not be discuss unless an argument or a breakup occurs. This book helps you to see if it is worth going further in the relationship if the parties have two different visions.

After reading, you will look at all of your relationships going forward in a different way. I assure you of that.

Great job Mr. Smith.