The Third Date Rule What Research Says Why It Works So Well

June 30, 2022

Generally speaking, we’ve all heard of the “third date rule.” Let us walk you through it if you haven’t already. Learn more about the third date rule and what research says about it!

A common rule is to wait until after the third date before getting sexually involved. Many think it’s a waste of time and that you should just have sex whenever you want; nevertheless, some believe it is beneficial.

The Third Date Rule What Research Says

So why do some individuals believe this to be the most important guideline? Exactly. That’s what we’re here to talk about. Women often utilize the third date rule as a guideline to get a man to keep coming back for more. It also ensures that the male is looking for a long-term relationship, not just sex. Men, on the other hand, can use this regulation.

The reasons why you need to set limits for yourself and others.

The Third Date Rule What Research Says

Everyone’s romantic life necessitates the establishment of some limits. Having sex with someone after the first date is fine, but it could give the other person the wrong impression if you’re willing to do it. To establish your worth, you must set boundaries.

When people see that you aren’t going to lay down and take it from everyone who comes after you, they have a better opinion of you. Those around you have a greater admiration for you. Those who persist with you through the third date deserve your attention.

It's always a good idea to stick to the three-date guideline.

The Third Date Rule What Research Says

This is essential if we are to pull this off. The wrong message will be sent if you indicate you will wait for three dates and then only wait for two. First and foremost, people won’t take you seriously. Secondly, it demonstrates that you’re willing to compromise if the situation warrants it. Both of these options are bad.

It's unclear why the third date rule is so effective.

The Third Date Rule What Research Says

When considering applying this regulation, we must ask ourselves this critical question. What’s the point? Because of its widespread appeal, we may safely assume that it does. However, the specifics of how and why it works remain a mystery.

If you’re unsure whether or not the three-date rule is right for you, we’re here to help. Here are the rules if you want to know why this strategy works so successfully with so many people.

1. The sooner you establish your criteria, the better.

The Third Date Rule What Research Says

If the rule of three works, it’s because of high standards. Only the proper people will be drawn to you if you establish your standards and expectations early on.

You won’t have to deal with folks just looking for a hookup. By enforcing this regulation, you demonstrate to others that you adhere to specific standards. Then if they don’t satisfy those standards, they will not be worth your time.

2. It demonstrates your lack of interest in a casual relationship.

It also conveys to others that you’re in it for the long haul. Some have extended the third date rule to a five-date or longer rule.

This will make it clear to others that you’re looking for more. They’ll think of you as someone capable of being in a long-term relationship. Since you already know they can’t get you in bed, you’ll avoid unpleasant situations.

3. You can tell if they're interested in getting to know each other.

When sex is taken out of the equation, you’re left with those looking for something more than a sex game. They’re not for you if you explain or mention this guideline, and they become uncomfortable and appear dissatisfied.

It’s an easy method to tell if a person is serious about the relationship or not. Those that accept your rules without inquiry are worth your attention.

4. It reveals their respectful or unrespectful demeanor.

In a partnership, respect is everything. You must have it in your life to maintain a healthy and happy connection with someone. As a result, you need to know immediately if they’re courteous.

The third date rule helps accomplish this. Observing how someone responds to this guideline can tell you a lot about their grasp of it. Do they treat this law respectfully or scoff and criticize it? Which one is your favorite? I’m sure you can guess.

5. In the beginning, you'll be able to get to know them better

It’s important to mention that having sex always comes with some risk. There is a chance that you may contract an STD or become pregnant. Is it truly a smart idea to have a child with someone you don’t know?

No, I doubt it. The third date rule comes into effect in this situation. Before engaging in sexual activity, you can get to know each other.

6. When you have sex, you'll feel more at ease.

There is nothing more awkward than having sex with someone you hardly know. It’s an uneasy and uncomfortable situation. You’re less confident than you used to be, and that’s a shame.

After the third date, however, you’ll already know whether or not you’re interested. Overall, the sex will be considerably more enjoyable as a result. As a result, they may come back for more.

7. As a result, they become more dedicated to gaining your esteem.

Effort is required on both sides of every relationship. The third date guideline will compel the other person to put out the action you expect.

They’ll go out of their way to win your affection, improving your bond with them.

8. It creates an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Trust and mutual respect are the foundations of healthy relationships. This form of relationship is fostered when you publicly declare respect for yourself and others and hold them to the same high standards.

This is the basis for any kind of interaction you have with them: that you respect yourself, and they respect your wishes as well.

9. By the third date, you'll be able to see the genuine them.

Everything about a first date is tingly. The second is slightly better, but not by a lot. Once you’ve been on three dates with someone, you’ll feel more at ease around them and be able to show your actual self.

Before having intercourse with them, it’s critical to witness this. Why? Because you’ll know if they’re the right person for you when you meet them face-to-face.

10. Clearing your mind allows you to make better decisions.

Sex has the power to transform your perspective on a person. Having slept with someone, you tend to get closer, which isn’t always positive.

You can be objective about your feelings by the third date, which is why it works. You’ll be able to tell if they’re someone you want to spend time with based on how you feel about them.

According to studies, the rule of the third date is a myth.

What does the research say about the third date rule now that you know why you should adhere to it? Waiting for so long may not be the greatest strategy. And how long does the average couple wait to have sex before doing so?

The Journal of Sex Research published well-known research on the subject. It focused on long-term, committed relationships between people who aren’t married.

The study’s primary goal was to discover how long participants waited before engaging in sexual activity. Additionally, they were curious whether this affected how content the couples were with their union.

Only 51% of those polled admitted to delaying their first sexual encounters by at least a few weeks. 38 percent of those surveyed indicated they had sex on the first date or within the first two weeks of their relationship. Last but not least, 11 percent of respondents reported they had sex before their first date!

You’re right; we know it. A couple’s first date isn’t the time for sex. That’s because they were already acquainted. It’s possible that they were friends or coworkers before they began dating and became an official couple.

When these couples were asked about the timing of their sex, they stated that they felt their relationships were unaffected by the timing of sex. According to the research, there was only a tiny difference in satisfaction with the relationship among the 11% who had sex before their first date. Although many individuals were content with their relationships, they were not alone.

People who had sex earlier in the day were marginally less joyful than those who hadn’t. The reason is that it’s well accepted that the initial enthusiasm and intensity of a new relationship fade with time. If you begin to engage in regular sex at a younger age, you’ll have to work more to keep the passion alive.

Nonetheless, the study’s most intriguing finding is this. Having sex isn’t as crucial as how you think about having sex. For example, what do you and others think about the extent to which you believe that the sex and emotional aspects of a relationship should or should not be connected?

It’s not uncommon for people who believe that sex and emotions should exist simultaneously to wait until they’ve established a long-term, committed relationship with someone before engaging in sex.

It’s fine to have sex without love, as long as you separate it from the emotional component. Sexting is easier for them, and they’re more likely to engage in casual sex than others. To have sex with a new partner, they don’t need as much time as someone who relies on feelings for sex.

Even if one option is better or worse, neither is better than the other. The most important thing is knowing what you want and need. If you want sex, you should only have it when you’re ready.

If you have two persons who have differing views about sex, this could be a problem. One person wants to have sex right away, while the other prefers to wait until the relationship is more serious before engaging in sexual activity. Hopefully, you’ll be able to locate a partner who shares your sexual preferences.

Some would describe the three-date limit as a compromise. The one who requires feelings will know if their partner is interested in them after three dates if they are patient enough to wait. However, it’s not too long for someone who is okay with having sex on the first date.

When you and your spouse disagree on the third date rule, here’s what you should do.

A “compromise” on sex does not exist, and the third date rule is simply that. Getting intimate is a two-way street; both parties must agree. Some people may not want sex until they are ready to do so.

A smart idea is to keep getting to know one other and working on building trust between you and your partner. As a result, feelings might develop naturally. There must be mutual trust and comfort before sexual activity may begin.

A partner who doesn’t want to wait may find this annoying. However, it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker in this situation. You should be able to postpone the sexual side of your relationship if you are genuinely in love with the other person.

Concluding remarks

As you can see, there isn’t a single answer to the question of when to have a sexual experience. For some people, timing is more important than for others.

The only ones with authority to determine when the two parties involved should meet. The act of having sex is a two-way exchange of feelings. Most importantly, you and your partner are both on board and excited about having sex.

You can’t deny that the third date rule has worked for people in the past, whether or not you believe in it. Many couples have had beautiful relationships thanks to this rule.

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