Love & Sex

Volgens duizenden koppels helpt de 2-2-2 regel om in moeilijke tijden toch bij elkaar te blijven

By Tessa Heinhuis | #!31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:000531#31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:00-12Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202531 08pm31pm-31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:0012Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2025312025Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +02000012008pmFriday=9#!31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam8#08-08-2025#!31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:000531#/31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:00-12Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202531#!31Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:00:05 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam8#

Yes, it's not always roses and vodka lime. Moonlight, sorry. Sometimes it's just hard work and investment, a relationship. Even when you're happy together, it can still rain. What do you do then? According to thousands of couples, the 2-2-2 rule helps to stay together during tough times.

So you can do something with that.

The 2-2-2 rule is a relationship hack that revolves around setting priorities and making time for each other, despite a busy schedule or personal challenges. Like children. Or pregnancies, new jobs, or family troubles. Whatever is going on, you must not lose sight of each other physically and mentally. Because then it goes from love partners to housemates. And then there's not much fun left. So, what is the 2-2-2 rule?

Every two weeks: make it a fun evening together. Light a candle, have a glass of wine, and have a good conversation. How are you really doing? If possible, go out to dinner and make it a real date. And otherwise, pull out all the stops at home. And no, don't just lounge on the couch in your sweats. That doesn't count.

Every two months: go away for a night together. Even if you have children, this is so important. Just have some time together to relax and focus on each other.

Every two years: plan a trip together. A few days abroad just the two of you is so good for the relationship. Experiencing something together, just like in the past. And this applies even if you don't have children yet: don't go with friends or family, but really go on an adventure together. You'll see what new energy it brings to your love life. Different conversations, more sex, more depth. You get to know each other inside out, if you haven't already. You see him in a different light, there in that sexy hotel bar. You live together, laugh, dance, and have sex. Success is guaranteed. Then you can go back to daily life.

And remember: this guideline doesn't just work so well for so many couples worldwide. There is simply an important kernel of truth in it: investing time in each other. Don't think, oh, that can wait. No. Do it now, plan it now, make something of it together. Because even if you go back to work and children and busyness afterwards, still... Those memories of doing things together will remain in your minds. And you need that foundation in tough times, when everything is a bit snappy and nagging. Because the foundation must always be love. Then the rain will stop on its own, really.