How the 333 Rule Works
TikTok creator @shadierecinos’s viral dating tip is simple: three dates, three weeks, three months. In this time, he says, you should be able to determine whether or not you see long-term potential in a partner.
- After 3 Dates: “It shouldn’t take you guys more than three dates to figure out whether you guys are actually attracted to one another,” he says.
- After 3 Weeks: At this point, you’re probably communicating a little more and have gone on a few more dates. This should help you see whether there’s real potential and chemistry between you. Ask yourself: Could you potentially envision a future with this person? If the answer is yes, then continue. Otherwise, here’s a handy guide on what to text after the second date (or fourth).
- After 3 Months: “It should not take more than three months to figure out whether you guys are getting into an actual relationship or not,” Recinos says. If you’re both in agreement, make it official. If not, part ways amicably so there’s no stressful guesswork. (Because otherwise you may find yourself doom-searching “what to text after being ghosted” at 2 a.m.)
Of course, relationships aren’t cookie cutter, and the 333 Rule isn’t hard and fast. “Give or take, some people may move faster, some people may move slower than that,” Recinos acknowledges. “But at the end of the day, what matters the most is that you guys can communicate that to each other, whatever your needs are, whatever your timing may be. Get out of your comfort zone and learn to have those tough conversations.” Indeed, the video’s comments aren’t in unanimous agreement, proving that this is far from science. But what it will do is give you a clear goal and timeframe to assess if you think the relationship is still worth pursuing. And hot tip: If he has fantasy football commissioner energy, the answer is, hell yes.
