The phrase refers to a clandestine agreement within a shared living space that permits brief, potentially intimate encounters. It’s a type of pre-arranged understanding setting boundaries and expectations surrounding privacy and interaction between residents. For example, housemates might explicitly or implicitly consent to a specific type of limited interaction, with a tacit agreement not to disclose these activities to outside parties.
The concept addresses the complexities of shared living, especially regarding relationships and personal boundaries. Such an arrangement might be perceived as a way to manage potential disruptions or conflicts while providing a framework for consensual interaction within a confined environment. The existence and prevalence of such agreements are often shaped by cultural norms, social attitudes towards intimacy, and the specific dynamics of the share house occupants.
