"In a TikTok with more than 248K likes as of this writing, creator Davide De Pierro discusses how one of his dating rules is that his female partner shouldn't make new male friends. She's allowed to have male friends... as long as they met before the relationship started. Making new ones while committed? Not allowed. Many of us know the feeling: a friend drifting away because their partner isn't comfortable, or trying to chat with someone platonically, only to be reminded, "I'm taken.""
"We spoke to real couples about the rules they live by - from the mildly amusing to the downright questionable - and asked relationship experts to weigh in. The result? A fascinating and sometimes brutal look at the do's, don'ts and debates shaping modern romance. Note: Some of the people we spoke with asked to use only their first names to protect their privacy."
Many couples adopt informal rules that govern texting, friendships, and acceptable behavior within the relationship. Some rules appear cute or quirky while others limit autonomy and create tension. Examples include forbidding new friendships with the opposite sex after a relationship begins and policing who initiates contact. Such rigid rules can lead to friends drifting away and feelings of being policed. Healthy boundaries should be negotiated openly, with both partners' feelings heard and mutual agreements reached. Clear communication, consent, and flexibility help prevent resentment and maintain balance between personal autonomy and relational security.
Read at HuffPost
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