Give New Experiences (and People) a Chance With the “three Encounters” Rule
Thanks in part to the unrealistic portrayal of relationships on television and in movies, we often expect to quickly connect with people. Instead of counting on your first date to make friends, try the rule of three instead.
As lifestyle site The Art of Manliness explains, it’s all too easy to write off a new person – be it a date, a new friend, or a colleague – based on initial experiences. While we all know early meetings are awkward and we don’t always get them right the first time, we expect everyone else to do so. If the first date / meeting doesn’t go well, we’ll write it off. Instead, the site suggests having at least three full meetings before you decide you’re done with someone:
I found that it takes about 3 meetings on average – and by that I mean intentional rather than passing interactions when you come together, mostly just to chat – to really see if there is potential for a relationship with someone. then. The rule applies to both the area of friendship and romance. In fact, it can be an even more important memorization when it comes to dating in the modern world.
Obviously, if your first meeting with someone is really terrible – if you are on a date that forces you to have sex, or if you are spending time with a potential friend who, for example, turns out to be downright racist – there are exceptions. However, if your biggest concern is that you don’t click right away, give it time. Even best friends (or lovers!) Don’t always get into the perfect relationship within minutes of getting to know each other.
The Rule of Three Meetings | The art of masculinity