Ordering takeout or calling the dog walker may ease relationship strain

Harvard researcher Ashley Whillans reports that couples who spend money on time-saving services often report higher relationship satisfaction; therapists caution that outsourcing chores does not by itself resolve deeper communication or fairness problems.

Couples who spend money on services that save time — such as takeout, cleaners or dog walkers — often report greater satisfaction in their relationships, especially during busy periods. Harvard Business School researcher Ashley Whillans studies the tradeoffs people make between time and money and found that time-saving purchases are linked to feelings of control and better well-being. Her team tracked busy, dual-income couples and used a six-week diary study to observe day-to-day patterns. Experts and couples interviewed say outsourcing can free time for connection but is not a standalone solution. Key facts: - In a six-week diary study of busy, dual-income couples, days with time-saving purchases were associated with higher reported relationship satisfaction. - Ashley Whillans says spending money to save time can increase a sense of autonomy and control, which supports well-being. - Whillans recommends a "time audit" to identify small changes that can reclaim minutes or hours for other uses. - Therapist Targol Hasankhani highlights that outsourcing can ease daily stress but will not resolve conflicts rooted in inequity or feeling unheard. - Anecdotes from couples and service providers describe freed time being used for shared activities and fewer daily decisions about tasks like cooking. Summary: Buying time through services is associated with reduced daily friction and higher short-term relationship satisfaction by giving couples more space and control. Experts say the impact depends on how reclaimed time is used and that addressing underlying communication and fairness within relationships is an important next step.