Katharina Buczek
This rule was popularized by all of our beloved cheesy rom-coms and essentially states that three days is the optimal time frame before reaching out to a potential partner.
For instance, suppose you meet a guy or gal one evening and score their number. The rule insists that calling the very next day makes you look way too eager or desperate. Likewise, calling on the second day seems too planned– for whatever reason.
So, three days was decided to be the ideal amount of “waiting time” for contacting a suitor. On the one hand, you still look interested. But, after three days, the risk of you looking too invested has also seriously decreased.
While this guideline was seriously popular during the 90s and early 2000s, though, texting and social media completely changed the game.
Some people are now confused about how to adhere to the rule– wondering if you should also wait three days to text or if the mantra only applies to calls. At the same time, many have simply thrown the “three-day rule” out the window.
So, what’s the real right answer? Well, I believe that even though we may wish some older ideas of chivalry were still around today, we can say goodbye to the three-day rule for good. Here’s why.
Say Goodbye To The Three-Day Rule
Yes, many people don’t like that social media takes some of the excitement and “guessing” out of dating. After all, you can learn about– and judge– someone’s hometown, occupation, interests, zodiac sign, and even past relationships without ever having to speak a word to them.
But, when it comes to the three-day rule, this is kind of a moot point. What I mean is, if you are wondering when to contact someone, the fact of the matter is that you are planning to contact them at some point anyway. So, with texting and countless social media platforms at your fingertips, why wait?
This acceleration of the process has even become a cultural norm– with some people wondering why they are not getting a text or call the morning right after a date! After all, it is so easy to shoot a text or DM– and unlike calling, you will not have to think of any cheesy lines on the spot.
So, don’t be afraid to take advantage of instant communication if you are really interested in someone. Nowadays, we know how little effort it really takes to send a short message. And by not doing so, you might actually just turn your date off and make it seem like you are completely uninterested.
