The 3-Day Rule in Dating: Play It Safe or Take the Risk?

Did you know that 3 is a significant number in dating?

For instance, a lot of people use the “3 day rule” for various reasons, one of which is to avoid coming off as too desperate or clingy in pursuing a potential partner.

In other words, this is when you hold off on texting or calling someone after the first or second date. Again, this is because you don’t want the other person to feel that you’re desperate to find love.

They may have given you hints through their conversations and body language, but you’re not sure if they were green or red flags.

So, you manage your expectations and set a strategy for yourself to test if this person wants to see you again. In this case, you can apply the 3 day rule.

If you’re having doubts about how to apply this rule, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

Give them time to reflect on your date.

This can be helpful for you too. Give yourselves enough time to decide if a relationship, or in this case, another date, is worth pursuing or not. Just because things went well before parting ways doesn’t mean they’re enthusiastic about going out with you again. You never know.

Also, people don’t usually show their true intentions during the first few meetings. It’s during this stage that you start getting to know each other first to determine if there is chemistry and compatibility.

Learn to manage your expectations when you start seeing someone so you won’t be left with disappointments or regrets.

Keep yourself busy and focused.

Instead of worrying about the progress of your date, try to focus on other things that will help you grow.

The longer you think about what the other person might be thinking, the more it will make you feel anxious and concerned. You’ll get absorbed in the waiting game and end up making the wrong move because you thought about it too much.

This is also another helpful way for you to manage your expectations.

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Be ready to accept rejections.

Keep in mind that not everyone is meant to stay in your life and that rejection is not a bad thing. It only means there are other opportunities for you to take. You just have to go and find them.

Don’t get stuck trying to change things you can’t control.

Execute the 80–20% strategy.

Don’t spend too much of your energy on someone who may not be as interested in you or as willing to pursue a romantic relationship.

The 80–20% strategy is useful, especially on first dates. This works by giving 20% of your attention to a potential partner and saving the 80% for yourself.

When things don’t work out, you won’t be that affected. It’s not that you should expect the worst, but rather limit your expectations. There’s a difference.

First dates can be tough, as they basically set the mood for how your other dates might turn out, or if another date is in store for you at all.

Save something for yourself, and you won’t have to worry about someone who won’t be sticking around.

Know When It’s Time to Take a Leap of Faith

The 3 day rule is a common strategy that people use to see if they’re on the same page as a potential partner. It will also help you manage your expectations and focus on things that matter.

However, keep in mind that this rule might not apply to everyone. It might work for others but not for you. Or the other way around.

When it comes to dating, there are a lot of risks that you have to take, and this one is no exception.

You can either learn to take risks or play it safe. It’s up to you.

In the end, only you can tell when it’s the right time. You just have to find the right balance between knowing when it’s time to take the next step and when it’s time to move on and find someone new.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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