REALITIES
The 2–2–2 Rule for Relationships, Explained
Relationships take work. That becomes clearer the longer they last. But as with most things, it’s easier said than done.
Online relationship advice can help. But it can be tricky to look for a good one. There may be plenty, but some can be deceiving. Others are inapplicable to your situation. And with that, you may want to take whatever you see on the internet with a grain of salt.
Among those things is the 2–2–2 rule. Some couples swear by it, saying it helps their relationships. But does it?
How Did this Rule Come to Exist?
The first mention of the rule was on a Reddit thread in 2015. Users were discussing a way to keep the honeymoon stage in their relationship. It has since gained and maintained some momentum. Social media has helped spread the word about the rule, with some content creators sharing how they applied it in real life.
How Does It Work?
Why the number 2, you ask? Here’s how the rule goes.
It advises couples to go on dates every two weeks. The good thing about this is that it doesn’t need to be fancy. Even a simple night out over your favorite foods and drinks is enough.
It also suggests they have weekend escapades every two months. It can be a nearby destination (like your favorite resort, for example) or somewhere at a considerable distance (like that intriguing cabin in the next town from your homestand).
And lastly, it recommends a week-long trip/vacation every two years. This is where you can bust out your travel bucket list. Go somewhere you’ve longed to visit!
Why Do Couples Follow It?
The 2–2–2 rule in a relationship may not be certified or peer-reviewed, but there’s a reason some couples abide by it.
As mentioned in the intro, relationships take work to maintain. And since most couples lead busy lives, things can get in the way of that.
You and your partner may do many of your day-to-day agendas together, but these don’t necessarily sustain your relationship. The 2–2–2 rule allows you to create and stick to structured timelines. This then helps you practice more accountability in your busy lives. Adding dates and other romantic schedules to your calendars may seem a bit much, but it can go a long way in keeping your relationship alive.
How to Apply the Rule IRL
If you want to give the rule a try, here’s some good news: you can modify it to fit your relationship. No two couples are alike, after all. Just because one does it a specific way doesn’t necessarily mean you should follow suit.
If the number 2 is unrealistic for you, go ahead and tinker with it at your convenience. You can either scale it down or ramp it up. Go with whatever you’re comfortable with.
Do you have budget concerns? Don’t worry about it. Cheap dates are just as fun and meaningful as fancy ones. Even a cute little picnic in your backyard can be special. What matters is you take some time off for each other.
The 2–2–2 rule isn’t gospel, but it’s something worth considering. Why not try it out yourself?
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