However, those who already had familiarity with contracts might view Fifty Shades ’ portrayal as inaccurate and watered down. This provided, to many, an introduction to what an intimate relationship contract can entail.

An important distinction is that a sexual contract’s goal is responsible “play,” whereas an intimate relationship version strives for an honest and shared understanding of a relationship as a whole.įor an example from pop culture, we might look at the well-known book and film trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey (James, 2012).

When beginning to develop contracts in a clinical or therapeutic setting, you may find overlaps between versions of sexual and intimate relationship ones. The version of the contract I initially saw is popular specifically within BDSM communities it helps clarify the roles and responsibilities of each person in a relationship. I was first introduced to the concept of intimate relationship contracts in a college course on human sexuality. Contracts can be created to help begin honest conversations about each individual’s wants and needs within a relationship. Contracts can go far deeper than addressing what happens in the bedroom, serving as a viable and necessary tool for people in relationships to see and understand each other.

Many clinicians believe that contracts serve the purpose of simply negotiating sexual acts and dynamics, and that by creating a contract, clients can sacrifice creativity and spontaneity in a relationship.īut this is a myth. It can be difficult to find guidance on writing effective relationship contracts, largely because the therapeutic community lacks consensus on the efficacy of such documents.

Fifty shades contract