The date rule you should always adhere to

Well, let me start by saying that I am really not a dating or relationship guru, but this is seriously a rule that I swear by. Time and again, it has become clear to me that this rule is indeed true. Even in my surroundings, although not everyone will appreciate this rule. Here's the thing: it's an ego thing. If you've seen the movie He's Just Not That Into You or read the book of the same name, you're probably familiar with this rule and likely swear by it too.

Our ego can really get in the way during dating. Imagine this: you've met someone nice, perhaps while going out, maybe you've kissed and exchanged numbers. There are a few texts back and forth, but then it goes silent from the other side, while you were hoping for a follow-up and/or a date.

Of course, it could be that he/she is busy. That the phone suddenly broke. A death in the family. He/she is in the hospital. And all of that can happen, and it's very likely that your surroundings will present you with one of these excuses when you express your frustration about this ghosting, but... it's not plausible.

That's exactly what we need to keep in mind: always assume that you are the rule and not the exception. Because yes, it could very well be that the person in question has a family issue and therefore can't respond, but the chance of that is very small. That's why it's best to always assume that the most obvious explanation is the case: he/she is just not that into you.

And that's completely okay, because it says nothing about you as a person. No matter how much our ego hates it, not everyone can like you. Feelings are not always mutual. That says nothing about how you are as a person, that you are not good enough, because none of that is true. Sometimes it's just not mutual, and that's perfectly fine.

The sooner you accept that, the sooner you move on to the next person with whom it might be completely mutual. Then you'll find out soon enough: if someone likes you, if it's mutual, you'll notice that quickly enough.

Here's also a reminder to watch He's Just Not That Into You, because it's still a really great movie.