· By Brittane Rowe
Dating Rules You Should Definitely Break (If You Want to Find Love)
Dating comes with a million rules—most of which were probably written by someone who hasn’t been on a date since flip phones were a thing. “Wait three days to text.” “Play hard to get.” “Let them make the first move.” Girl, please. Some of the best relationships happen when you throw those dusty rules out the window and just do you.
If you’ve been following the so-called “rules” and still ending up on dates with folks who “don’t believe in labels” or think a FaceTime call is a proper first date (it’s not), then maybe it’s time to break some. Let’s get into it.
Rule #1: “Wait for Them to Make the First Move”
Listen. It’s 2025. We are not waiting around like it’s a Victorian-era courtship. If you see someone you like, shoot your shot. The worst that can happen? They’re not interested, and you move on like the prize you are.
Real-life example: My friend saw a fine man at a coffee shop, walked up, and said, “I don’t usually do this, but I had to come say hi.” Boom. Numbers exchanged. They’re still together. Meanwhile, the girl who followed the “wait for him to notice me” rule is still single and drinking cold brew in silence.
Rule #2: “Keep the First Date Classy”
There is nothing wrong with dressing up and going to a fancy dinner, but let’s be real—most first dates are already awkward. Why add tiny forks and overpriced entrées to the mix? Some of the best connections happen in low-pressure, fun settings.
Better ideas:
- An arcade (because nothing builds chemistry like aggressive Mario Kart trash talk)
- A food truck crawl (casual, fun, and lets you see if they can handle messy tacos with grace)
- A comedy show (if they don’t laugh at the same jokes as you, run)
Rule #3: “Never Talk About Exes”
We’re not saying drop a PowerPoint presentation about your toxic situationship from 2022, but let’s be real—exes exist. Pretending you’ve never been in a relationship is weird. Sometimes, talking about past relationships in a healthy way can actually be a green flag.
What NOT to do:
❌ “My ex was literally the worst, let me tell you every detail.”
❌ “I’m totally over them, but we do still text sometimes.”
❌ “I don’t believe in breakups. I just like to keep the door open.”
What TO do:
✅ “I learned a lot from my past relationships, and I know what I want now.”
✅ “I realized communication is super important for me.”
✅ “I know my worth now, and I don’t settle.”
Rule #4: “Don’t Text Back Too Soon”
Fam, If you like them, TEXT THEM BACK. This whole “let me wait three hours so I don’t seem too available” mindset is for people who like playing games. We are grown. We have bills to pay, things to do, and we are not sitting around strategizing texts like it’s a chess match.
Green flag energy: You had a good time? Tell them. You wanna see them again? Say it. No stress, no games, no confusion.
Rule #5: “Let Them Lead”
If we’ve learned anything from modern dating, it’s that some people need a little direction. If you want something, speak up.
- Want to go to a certain restaurant? Suggest it.
- Tired of texting for weeks with no real date plans? Bring it up.
- Wondering where this “situationship” is going? Ask.
Communication isn’t “doing too much.” It’s called being clear. And if they’re scared off by that, they weren’t for you anyway.
Final Thoughts: Break the Rules, Find Your Person
The best dating advice? Do what works for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding love, and following outdated “rules” isn’t going to change that. So text first, plan the date, be direct, and be yourself. The right person won’t need you to play games—they’ll just want you.
