Relationship Rules To Ignore

It’s anyone’s guess where they originally came from, but there are a number of universally accepted laws of loving that we all seem to think we should abide by. A few of these couple commandments are actually valid (your best friend’s boyfriend is off limits); others are totally bogus, and your relationship will be better off if you break them.

‘Instead of blindly adhering to possibly outdated standards, consider how couples really function in today’s world, and act accordingly,’ says psychotherapist Dr Lynn Ianni. The trick is figuring out which love laws help bolster your connection and which ones should be banned.

Not quite sure? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled the five dating doctrines you need to ditch this instant!

Rule 1: You Should Tell Him Everything	WHY YOU SHOULD BREAK IT: You already know it’s not the best idea to attach yourself to his hip; same goes for drawing him a mental map of your day. ‘The summarised version is actually more effective,’ says relationships counsellor Dr Roger Rhoades. ‘Then move on to more mutually interesting topics, like current events or a movie you want to see.’ So when you two meet up after work, how do you know if you’re giving too much info? Follow this rule: ‘Fill him in on the things that elicited an emotional response from you,’ says Ianni. ‘Then skim over the stuff that didn’t have a profound effect.’ Also, keep in mind what you know he’ll find interesting and what’ll make his eyes glaze over. He’ll be more into communicating with you if you’re both on the same page.
Rule 2: You Can’t Perve On Anyone Else
Rule 3: Sex Always Has To Be Spontaneous
Rule 4: You Have To Resolve Every Conflict
Rule 5: You Need To Ditch Your Exes

Author: Beth Whiffen