Tribunal referee Krysia Cowi said in a statement, “partners, friends and colleagues make social arrangements, but it is unlikely they can be legally enforced unless the parties perform some act that demonstrates an intention that they will be bound by their promises”.

“When friends fail to keep their promises, the other person may suffer a financial consequence but it may be that they cannot be compensated for that loss,” she said.

Ultimately, Cowie decided that although a promise was made, it fell short of being a contract, with the promises exchanged as a normal give and take in a relationship.

As a result, Cowie dismissed the women’s claims.

The couple have now separated.