January 2023

Thank you, next!: How does it make you feel when someone breaks a contract with you?

by Jordan Steinohrt

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Thank you, next!: How does it make you feel when someone breaks a contract with you?

January 2023 by Jordan Steinohrt

Back to Insights

 

In a contract, it is usually stated that if one side fails to follow through with what has been promised, then there will be consequences. There are many instances in life where we are promised something and when it doesn't happen, the response is often an emotional one. We assess the impact of people making emotional decisions, often to the detriment of the contracted relationship.

How does it make you feel when someone breaks a contract with you?

What if it was a social contract? They don’t walk fast enough on the street, they show up late to an appointment, or they decide to throw their trash next to the bin as opposed to in it?

Or what about a relationship contract? You find out your friend has been saying nasty things about you behind your back, your teammate makes a selfish move on the field, or your partner has been having an affair?

Contracts, written and signed, verbal or otherwise, are fundamental in framing our expectations of the people around us. Breaking those contracts and therefore, not delivering to those expectations, often generates an emotional response.

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Jordan Steinohrt