okay...as it plainly shows, this is a matrix about how relationships will turn out and wat should be done...it's divided into 4 quadrant(Q1 to Q4), bargains and mistakes for guys, bargains and mistakes for gals... and we call this kind of relationship and "obsolescing bargain"...
as it goes, couple get tog at Q1... at this stage, we call it the honeymoon period.. since they just got together, life's good and sweet.... things that should be done at this stage will be more about relationship building... there should be acculturation(understanding ur other half), self upgrading, some form of implicit control(setting rules for the both of you), and most importantly, formulation of contingencies (what to do in the event you need to exit the relationship)...
if the relationship approaches and hit Q2, that point of time means the girl is thinking that going into the r/s is a mistake... and is getting unhappy...
wat should the guy do then?? for the guy, u can choose to have reinvestment into the relationship(show more commitment..perhaps getting her flowers out of the blue, cooking for her and specifically said by my tutor...wash the damn dishes...), foregoing(making more sacrifices for her by perhaps not going out with your guys pals for soccers and beers) and perhaps review the relationship by talking it thru with her....
however, if u are at Q3, that means you are thinking that going into the r/s with the gal is a mistake, and you are feeling unhappy...you can consider the following...
start thinking of alternatives, be it overtly or covertly... in terms of alternatives, it would meant other gals...and IMO, i think it'll be better to do it covertly...afterall, overtly will be kinda too obvious...also, think of the feasibility of your acquisition plans...will it be more feasible to acquire the new interest, will it leads u back to this vicious cycle... therefore it's impt to consider all these factors...
next, think of exit plan... which translates to planning your breakup... you would want to have some careful planning just in case a big scene break out...
lastly, you can continue maintaining the r/s and hope things will turn around...
finally, one day the last straw came and both you and your partner cannot take it le...and u hit Q4... what can you do??
you should reconsider your contingencies from Q1...alternatively, you could renegotiate with ur partner for better terms... by knowing when to quit/invest more from the signals that she gives, you can perhaps have some form of damage limitation...
however, even when you are breaking up and exiting the partnership/relationship, you should have some form of PR exercise outside of the partnership... this will ensure that the breakup is graceful and there wunt be bad rumours that will hunt you in your future partnership... most importantly, your door should be kept open... there's no knowing when you'll meet your partner again...
so which stage are you?? hopefully this matrix of relationship management could help you ba... remember, damage limitation!! and see...marketing rocks! you'll learn all sort of things from it!
"your life is about making yourself happy, no making the world around yours a happier place..."
MOTD: tired....
