THE ONLY 12 DATING RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Some rules are to be followed when you start dating. Learn more about the twelve rules that you need to know when dating.
When you start dating, there is drama between the two of you, and everyone is busy figuring out what their opposite partner likes, dislikes, specific rules, and assumptions. Not everyone will understand the partner they are dating, and eventually, they may get to hurt and offend each other. Below are 12 modern rules of dating. You will learn if they are assumed from the beginning of the relationship or are discussed and set by couples.
Assumed Dating Rules
Although most dating rules are assumed, it is not easy to navigate them when you are not sure of what you are expected of in a relationship. Below is a list of common assumed dating rules
Partners are Physically Attracted To Each Other
This dating rule is crucial. Face up your situations if your physical attraction to each other is a deal-breaker. Be open, honest, and humble and tell your partner that for you to peruse your relationship, it has to be something that has deep roots from the beginning.
You Only Use Birth Control Measures After Discussing It Thoroughly with Your Partner
Precautions should be taken when handling this assumed rule in relationships. The rule has vital importance because getting a child without a discussion will lead to an emotional breakdown. You will have to come together and raise some strategies you will use to raise the child. The child will probably suffer emotionally because of the issues you would have tackled. You have to take precautions if you are not ready to become a parent. According to Oakley (2018), failure to take precautions will make you live with the consequences. However, the decision should be made by both parties.
You Will Not Engage in Sex Before Trusting Each Other
This is the sole rule that guards most relationships. It keeps all partners safe before they know each other or are in the process of finding out more about each other. Partners can decide to wait for sex even if it is protected, have gone through a recent test, and always wait until there is trust between partners, according to Holland (2003). It is always good to take precautions to protect yourself either from being used, contracting some diseases, or unwanted pregnancy. If your partner is pushing you to engage in sex before you have established trust, you must back off from that relationship unless you want casual sex. According to Fielder & Carey (2010), casual sex, also known as hookups, is sexual interaction between people who do not want a romantic commitment. Partners who can’t respect personal boundaries can’t make up for better relationships.
When You Start Dating, Don’t Tell Your Partner about Other Guys You are Seeing
This rule might be uncomfortable to some people, but it is essential to you when finding the best partner. When dating, you are trying your partner before you have a permanent relationship. In this stage, you are still weighing if you have to stay or leave. Speaking of your guys at this stage won't even give you a chance to weigh the pros and cons. However, if the relationship is past this stage and it has developed into something serious, you can open up to your partner about the matter. If your partner expects exclusiveness from you, but you feel you aren’t ready, sit down and have a hearty talk until you come to a harmonious decision.
Dating Does Not Mean You Are Exclusive Until the Issue Is Discussed
It is important to keep your budding relationship exclusive but talk about it later. If he is not willing to be exclusive, back off from the relationship.
Conversation Gauges Ways to Forming Better Relationship
If you always discuss potential children, your marriage, and your future life together, it is a good sign that you will be forging a perfect relationship. If either of you is changing topics during the discussion of some sensitive matters, it is good to notice that something is not right in the relationship.
Do Not Rush Things in Relationship
It is good to take things slowly and process the details carefully. You will probably not marry the first guy you get and have kids before consideration. Doing that will keep you from regretting it when this escalates differently from your expectations.
Don’t Get Dating Tips Online
Getting your dating online is not a wise move to make. Your partner may have probably encountered the same thing once, and when they hear it from you, it will be like a child’s play. Also, do not hide anything you did in your past from them because it will rise to a different danger level when they find out for themselves.
Discuss Your Preferences
Getting to know what your partner is comfortable and uncomfortable with will help you avoid some trouble in the future in that relationship.
Nail Down the Details About Your Exclusive Relationship
Open up about whether you are in an exclusive relationship or not. Get to the details and decide what to do next after agreeing.
Be Honest
This is the guiding principle in most relationships. Be honest with your partner and let them be honest with you. You cannot date someone who hides some things from you. The relationship probably doesn't fit you, and you should back off.
Have Equal Level of Authority In the Relationship
For a relationship to prosper, partners should not perform any form of. If that is the case, you will feel more like a servant than a partner. Back off if your partner assumes all the authority in the house. You must also have a say in the relationship.
The Bottom Line
The above rules are the most common and the guiding principles of many relationships. They help develop a perfect relationship that can last. These rules are different depending on who you are dating. Not everyone will understand their partner, and eventually, they may hurt or offend each other.
References
Oakley, A. (2018). From here to maternity (reissue): Becoming a mother. Policy Press.
Holland, J., Ramazanoglu, C., Scott, S., Sharpe, S., & Thomson, R. (2003). Between embarrassment and trust: young women and the diversity of condom use. In AIDS: Responses, interventions and care (pp. 132-152). Routledge.
Fielder, R. L., & Carey, M. P. (2010). Predictors and consequences of sexual “hookups” among college students: A short-term prospective study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(5), 1105-1119.