At this point, you’ve probably received hundreds of pieces of advice to achieve a successful online dating experience. But as far as modern dating trends go, there’s likely no concept that’s more based on mathematical reasoning than the 37% rule. Whether it’s something you’ve encountered in the past or a new concept you found online, we’ll explore how the 37% dating rule works and why it could be beneficial for your romantic pursuits.
Understanding the 37% Rule in Dating
Based on a mathematical concept known as the optimal stopping theory, the 37% rule in dating suggests that you should spend the initial 37% of your dating journey getting to know different people. In theory, this can help you get a better idea of your actual preferences. This means first exploring your options with different matches and using those early experiences to understand important factors such as deal-breakers and relationship expectations.
While it’s become a popular trend in modern dating, it’s important to note that the 37% rule is by no means a scientifically proven formula for making the most optimal dating choices. Rather, the concept can be considered a loose guideline for making wiser and more informed dating decisions.
Potential Benefits of the 37% Rule in Dating
Similar to any other dating concept, utilizing the 37% rule won’t magically improve your dating platform experience. That said, the rule can bring about various benefits that can help you better navigate both existing and future relationships.
Below are potential benefits of 37% dating rule
1. Helps You Understand What You Want
By allowing yourself to freely explore different matches, you can get more hands-on exposure to both things that you like and don’t like in a relationship. From exploring different kinds of personalities, communication styles to relationship expectations, seeing different qualities first-hand can help you recognize the exact things that you want in a long-term relationship.
2. Encourages More Thoughtful Commitments
For many singles, it’s easier to commit to the first person you feel attracted to than waiting around to gauge your compatibility with other matches. But by utilizing the 37% dating rule, you can be more considerate about your dating experiences so as to properly evaluate your dates before going exclusive.
3. Puts a Limit on Searching
In theory, the search for the perfect one can likely take years or even decades before finding success. But for many people who want to achieve relationship and life milestones by a certain age, the 37% rule can help impose a loose guideline to help signal when it might be time to settle down.
4. Helps You Recognize Compatibility
While a lot of people believe in concepts such as love at first sight, judging compatibility is a whole different story. But if you’re able to meet different people and experience different relationship styles, you can better distinguish temporary attraction from qualities that actually matter in a lasting relationship.
Things to Consider Before Following the 37% Dating Rule
Even though the 37% rule in dating has led a lot of people to find potential matches, it’s worth noting that it’s by no means a universal rule. In reality, different people will have varying experiences when it comes to finding a lasting connection. So, before committing yourself to following the rule, below are some important things to consider.
1. Not Every Romantic Connection Is the Same
Since it’s not exactly a strict guideline, it can be difficult to measure what actually counts as the sample size in the 37% rule. Because every dating experience is different, you’ll need to consider whether connections such as situationships, brief encounters, and even almost-relationships actually count in the initial 37% of dates.
2. Your Preferences Are Bound to Change
Regardless of your current age, it’s important to remember that the qualities you look for in your significant other now can change over time. Likewise, different life experiences and changing circumstances can significantly influence what you want in a relationship. Therefore, you’ll also need to allow yourself to reassess your expectations rather than viewing your initial standards as permanent.
3. Don’t Treat Dating Like Numbers
With dating concepts like the 37% rule, it can be easy to treat potential matches as just another number. This is especially common for singles who are still dating their initial 37%, since the rule suggests that none of these dates are likely to be someone you’re going to know long-term.
Therefore, if you’re someone looking to try the 37% rule any time soon, don’t forget that each person will have their individual qualities and deserve to be treated as more than just a means to understand your dating preferences better.
4. The Rule Doesn’t Guarantee Success
Despite what other people may have you believe, the 37% dating rule is not a one-size-fits-all kind of solution. While it can help you understand yourself and your preferences better, finding a long-term match takes more than just finding the highest-ranking candidate. So, rather than setting your eyes on success, pay greater attention to important factors such as mutual attraction and shared values.
Finding the Right Match
While it can definitely encourage you to make more informed dating decisions, the 37% rule shouldn’t dictate how your love life unfolds. Since everyone’s dating experiences and preferences will be different, there’s no mathematical formula under the sun that can guarantee a 100% success rate. Instead, focus on understanding what you want in a relationship while still staying open to making genuine connections and choices that feel right for you.
