In most relationships the 'next step' simply happens. There are times, however, when things drift along. There seems to be a need for a 'next step' but neither party knows what it should be or how to state this need. The code is a convenient way for either party to state this need.
If a relationship is to move to its appropriate level (whatever that may be) there does need to be 'movement'. Code 12/4 is a suggestion that such movement could take place.

Once raised by the code the matter can be discussed in a normal way using whatever language suits.