Comparison Levels

CL and Relationship Satisfaction

Every relationship has rewards and costs. Rewards can be things like financial security, a supportive partner, and connections to a larger social network. Costs include time sacrificed from other interests, relationship conflict, and the partner's annoying habits. Everyone has certain expectations about what he or she deserves in his or her relationship, which determines his or her CL. These expectations are based on an individual's experience with previous relationships (parents, friends, romantic partners) and observations of other relationships. If the actual ratio of rewards-to-costs is higher than what he or she expects, then the individual will be satisfied with his or her relationship. If this ratio is lower than what he or she expects, then the individual will be dissatisfied with the relationship. Perceptions of rewards and costs can change over time. In successful relationships, people believe that their rewards grow more rapidly than the costs, making the relationships more satisfying and less likely to end.

Investments in a Relationship

Across time there are certain investments in relationships, such as financial and emotional resources, that would be sacrificed if the relationship ended. This sacrifice increases the cost of ending the relationship and lowers the CLalt. For example, couples spend more time together, combine their finances, and integrate their social networks. It is much easier to leave a dating relationship where both partners live apart than a marriage where the partners have purchased a house together. Therefore, when there are few investments that are easily forfeited, individuals are more likely to end their relationship. In contrast, a relationship with many investments increases the cost of ending that relationship.

Attractive Alternatives

Individuals always have alternatives to the relationship. They can start another similar type of relationship by finding a new romantic partner, they could become single, or they could start a different type of relationship, such as leaving a parent's home to marry. The quality of an individual's alternatives to the relationship (CLalt) is based on the potential rewards and costs of the alternative. A new romantic partner may be better looking or nicer and being single may leave more time for personal pursuits, thereby raising the CLalt. At the same time, individuals will lose all of the investments they have made in their current relationships and acquire the costs of the alternative. A new relationship will take time and effort, and being single may be lonely, thereby lowering the CLalt. When the alternatives to a relationship are of high quality, the CLalt will grow. At that point, the individual is more likely to leave his or her existing relationship.

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