What term describes how much effort each person contributes to a relationship?

The correct answer is reciprocity. In the context of relationships, reciprocity refers to the mutual exchange of contributions between individuals, indicating how much effort each person puts into the relationship. It emphasizes the importance of balanced give-and-take, where both parties contribute to maintaining and strengthening the bond. When both individuals feel they are equally involved and invested, it fosters a sense of fairness and satisfaction within the relationship, which is critical for long-term stability.

Commitment often relates to the intent to maintain a relationship over time but does not specifically address the effort put in by each individual. Investment pertains to the resources (time, energy, emotional support) a person dedicates to the relationship, which is a component of reciprocity but does not capture the essence of mutual effort as directly. Attachment refers to the emotional bond formed in relationships but again does not directly quantify the effort put forth by each individual. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why reciprocity accurately describes the shared effort in a relationship.