INFLUENCEWeeks to result

Mate Retention Framework

Strategies for keeping a mate

Problem it solves

lack of influence

Best for

Individuals in romantic relationships

Not ideal for

Those not in a romantic relationship

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Mate Retention Framework outlines the strategies that individuals use to keep their romantic partners. This framework is based on the principles of evolutionary psychology and highlights the importance of mate retention in maintaining a successful relationship. The framework includes various tactics such as emotional manipulation, resource display, and violence, which are used by individuals to retain their mates.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Individuals will use various tactics to retain their mates.
  2. Mate retention is a critical aspect of human relationships.
  3. The use of violence and coercion can be a means of mate retention.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Assess the relationship
    Assess the current state of the relationship and identify potential threats to the relationship.
    Pro tipBe aware of the partner's needs and desires.
    WarningIgnoring the partner's needs can lead to relationship dissatisfaction.
  2. Use emotional manipulation
    Use emotional manipulation to influence the partner's behavior and maintain control in the relationship.
    Pro tipBe aware of the partner's emotional state and use this information to inform manipulation tactics.
    WarningOveruse of emotional manipulation can lead to relationship dissatisfaction and mistrust.
  3. Display resources
    Display resources such as wealth, status, and power to attract and retain the partner.
    Pro tipBe aware of the partner's values and preferences and tailor resource display accordingly.
    WarningOveremphasis on resource display can lead to an unbalanced relationship.
  4. Use violence and coercion
    Use violence and coercion as a means of mate retention, but be aware of the potential risks and consequences.
    Pro tipBe aware of the partner's boundaries and avoid using violence and coercion unnecessarily.
    WarningThe use of violence and coercion can lead to serious physical and emotional harm to the partner.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
The use of emotional manipulation in a romantic relationship

A individual uses emotional manipulation to influence their partner's behavior and maintain control in the relationship.

OutcomeThe partner becomes increasingly dependent on the individual and the relationship becomes unbalanced.
The display of resources in a romantic relationship

An individual displays their wealth and status to attract and retain their partner.

OutcomeThe partner is impressed by the individual's resources and the relationship becomes more stable.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Ignoring the partner's needs
Ignoring the partner's needs and desires can lead to relationship dissatisfaction and mistrust.
Overuse of emotional manipulation
Overuse of emotional manipulation can lead to relationship dissatisfaction and mistrust.
Overemphasis on resource display
Overemphasis on resource display can lead to an unbalanced relationship.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Mate Retention Framework was developed by evolutionary psychologists to explain the strategies that individuals use to keep their romantic partners. The framework is based on the idea that mate retention is a critical aspect of human relationships and that individuals will use various tactics to maintain their relationships.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Evolutionary Psychology The New Science of the Mind
David M Buss · 2020
Open source →

Related frameworks

Browse all Influence →