The Happiest Couples Swear By the 2-2-2 Rule

The longer a relationship goes on, the better it’s to neglect—not intentionally, but simply because you fall right into a day by day routine along with your partner and life gets busy. Navigating the minutiae of life together isn’t a nasty thing, it just means the little things can get in the way in which of spending quality time together. So, to assist prioritize each other, nurture the connection, and keep the spark alive, couples are turning to the 2-2-2 rule. Whether you and your partner are affected by the dreaded roommate syndrome otherwise you’re just trying to nurture your relationship (latest or old!) in latest ways, look no further.

What is the 2-2-2 rule?

The 2-2-2 rule is a system for helping you and your partner be more conscious of spending regular quality time together. This system originated on Reddit back in 2015 but has gained traction through the years because of social media with influencers like Rachel Martino sharing that she and her fiancé follow it. The system works as follows:

• Every two weeks, go on a date
• Every two months, go away for a weekend
• Every two years, go away for per week

While the 2-2-2 timeline may not work for each couple (possibly it’s an excessive amount of or too little), the purpose is that repeatedly planning and prioritizing quality time along with your better half strengthens your relationship, and having a set schedule for doing so may help.

Why the 2-2-2 rule works

It’s very easy to let on a regular basis life get in the way in which of dedicating time to your relationship. On top of labor, there’s grocery shopping, housekeeping, hitting the gym, doctor appointments, tending to familial obligations, spending time with friends, and more to maintain up with on a day by day, weekly, and monthly basis. (Sorry for reminding you of *all of the things* in your plate!) While you’re typically doing a lot of these items alongside your partner, most aren’t necessarily nourishing your relationship.

The 2-2-2 rule gives couples a structured timeline and a way of accountability for prioritizing the connection even when life gets busy. The way I see it, if we put all of our other necessary to-dos on our calendars, why not schedule intentional time for bonding with our partners? Especially because studies show that couples who spend more quality time together usually tend to have flourishing and fulfilling relationships overall. So whether your love language is quality time or not, you possibly can’t deny that regular scheduling of quality time together is useful.

How so as to add the 2-2-2 rule to your life

The wonderful thing about the 2-2-2 rule is that it will probably be tailored to your relationship. In the comments of Martino’s reel, many individuals noted that the 2-2-2 was too frequent or too infrequent. So if doing the suggested activities every two weeks/months/years isn’t realistic for the parameters of your life, perhaps adjust the rule to 3-3-3—going out for a night every three weeks, away for a weekend every three months, and a vacation every three years. Or, if you happen to feel 2-2-2 isn’t enough, change it to 1-1-1. One person noted within the comments that they do 2-2-1—whatever works in your life and relationship is ideal!

Additionally, in case your budget is tight and also you’re considering it’s impossible to take a night, weekend, or week to travel along with your partner, attempt to get creative with what you *can* do. Evenings out will be low-cost or free, equivalent to a picnic at an area nature attraction. Bring a speaker for music and a couple of card games, and revel in the sunset and stargazing. 

If a weekend trip out of town isn’t within the cards, consider a staycation. Book an area home rental or hotel and explore your town like a tourist, selecting activities and attractions that suit your budget. And to make a weeklong vacation possible, consider pitching a tent at a revered nature park in your region. Drive to lower your expenses on flights and Ubers, again selecting things to do which might be low-cost or free—museums, outdoor activities, local live music—to make precious memories along with your partner.