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It seems like nowadays there are all these rules for dating that you should follow if you want a successful relationship. There’s a struggle between girl power and that a guy should pay for everything! Or that guys should make the first move or your relationship is official once it’s on Instagram. Society creates all of these expectations and norms for relationships but that doesn’t mean they all have to be followed or that they’ll make your relationship better.
Let’s take a look at dating and relationship rules that are totally ok to break!
Waiting X amount of time to reply back.
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How many times have you heard that you should wait the same amount of time or double the time to text your crush/fling/partner back. No one wants to seem desperate and we’re told to play hard to get! But playing hard to get can look like you’re uninterested. You can wait a little to reply but you don’t have to time it based on their response and you definitely don’t have to wait a day to reply to make a point. That’s taking the extreme and you’ll look uninterested in someone that you’re actually interested in!
Posting an Instagram to make your relationship official.
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Everyone talks about relationships being Instagram official once you’ve posted your first picture with your new partner. Maybe it’s social media official or makes it known to more people but a simple post does not have that much power. Just because you have an Instagram post with the person does not make your relationship official or real. If you’re private and don’t want too, don’t! An IG post doesn’t define your relationship or make it real.
Every conflict must be resolved.
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Every argument is not going to have a happy ending and it’s not going to resolve like you see it on TV or in movies. That’s because it’s real! Communicating effectively and maturely is more important because ultimately you’re not going to agree with every little detail.
Don’t go to bed angry.
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Going to bed angry or in conflict is tough. But staying up all hours of the night to solve a conflict is only going to make it worse. You’ll just get more tired, cranky and may even say something awful because if it. A good night sleep could end the fight better than arguing till 3 a.m. There’s also a good chance that when you wake up in the morning that fight won’t seem as important or worthy of a big conflict.
They should make the first move.
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Nothing is wrong with wanting to make the first move. It may be scary but the reality is almost everyone finds confidence attractive! Put aside gender stereotypes and make the first move if you want to.
Having him pick up the tab every time.
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Traditional gender roles are outdated and the rule that a man in a heterosexual relationship should pick up the tab everytime is outdated. A man doesn’t have to pay every time but splitting the check 50/50 or taking turns can create a healthy, balanced relationship.
Not having sex on the first date.
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Many people believe that sex on the first date will ruin your chances of a long-term relationship or that you’ll come across as easy. If there is consent from both parties then it’s ok to break that rule because it’s outdated! If they judge you, then you found out a lot sooner that they aren’t worth your time! If a girl has amazing chemistry with someone on the first date, both are feeling each other and both consent than it’s totally ok to break this outdated rule! This, like a man always picking up the tab is seriously outdated and gender stereotypical.
