This is how you prevent your next situationship
The 3-3-3 dating rule is the solution
A situationship is a bit of that almost-not-quite phase; you are more than friends, but it’s not really a relationship yet. Fun for a while, but you ultimately want something stable. How do you ensure that you get over that ‘let’s make it official’ threshold? In the mountain of life advice found on TikTok, I found the solution (at least, according to all the comments). The 3-3-3 dating rule prevents you from ending up (again) in a situationship.
Clear boundaries
This viral rule started with TikToker Shadie Recinos and is actually very simple: 3 dates, 3 weeks, and 3 months. After that comes the moment to determine whether there is a future or not. Each step in the rule is actually already a check to see how you are doing. It shouldn’t take more than 3 dates to see if there is any attraction at all. If not, then continuing doesn’t really make sense. Within 3 weeks, according to Shadie, you can discover if there is chemistry and if you see potential in it. You have (hopefully) dated a bit more by now and know each other a bit better. You can cautiously start asking yourself if you can envision a future together. It’s still early, I know. But if the idea already completely scares you off, that says enough. After 3 months, it’s really time to make a decision: are you starting a relationship or not?
Communication is key
You will of course make that decision together. A relationship comes from both sides; you can be completely head over heels, but if the other person isn’t, it’s not going to work. Communication is super important anyway. Not talking about the status of your relationship means you keep hanging in a situationship. Although the 3-3-3 rule gives you a good framework, it’s not the golden rule for all couples. You can also make it a 4-4-4; although taking too long is of course not good either (think of that almost-not-quite phase). Whatever timeframe you choose, it’s really about two things: set boundaries and talk to each other. Having to put an end to it is never fun, but we know those endless situationships well by now. And finally being able to say ‘we are together’ is of course wonderful.
Source: PureWow
@shadierecinosIf you’re single and dating with intention, I want you to listen to my 333 rule.♬ original sound – Shadie
