The Social Contract

Relationships have become the foundation of all the things we do. They affect our decisions and ultimately, our actions as well. Whether it is within our intentions or not, our acts are often and in most cases, always directed by the relationship we are in. Just like our unconscious steps, so is an agreement between people being flaunted. This agreement is also referred to as “the social contract.” 

WITH YOUR BOSS

The social contract for work-related endeavours is to “suck it up and do your job,” especially when you’re a new recruit. You can’t say anything that is entirely the opposite of whatever it is your boss wants to happen. He doesn’t have to enumerate to you or print you a list of all the things you’re expected to do. Say he wanted you to greet him each morning? Do it! Pick up his laundry? Go! Call you in the middle of the night via smartphone, answer it! When talking about your career, your complete focus is necessary for it’s a line in your life you wouldn’t want to cut short. To keep yourself from thinking negative thoughts about your boss, think of all the people who you care enough about and make them the reason for your staying in the dreadful job you’ve entered.

WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Some of your friends, whether you are from the rich and famous sort or the carefree and nerd-filled kind, one or two of them is sure to have his or her personal dramas. The catch? You can’t easily escape because as friends, you’re bound to each other like the moon in the sky. If she gets overdramatic over a bad breakup, without word, you are expected to comfort and whisper only good things about her and bad things about the guy who broke her heart. However, don’t let it reach the point where you plan on an accident so you could “take care” of the man, if you know what I mean and I do believe you do. Part of the social contract is you should know how to rein in your friend when things go way out of control.

WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

Let’s admit it, there’s not one relationship in this world that’s perfect. In a romantic relationship, compromise is an important attitude. Otherwise, I could assure you now, you won’t be reaching the following year with all the fights and shouting you’ve busied yourself into for a number of weeks now and all because he forgot to buy you the tablet folio you’ve been relentlessly pointing out to him last month at the mall.

We didn’t sign upon it, nor did we exchange words for its foundation. It’s just there without us even noticing, and it is exists with each and every person we encounter in life.