The 6 Month Rule

I know I sound like a broken record (in my own head) but I feel like I am always telling various friends, “It takes time for someone to really reveal who they are. Give it six months and then see how it is going.”

I’ve seen it happen over and over again. A close pal starts dating someone who they claim is just perfect. “I can’t ever imagine us arguing, he is the most amazing guy ever.” Sure! I remember naively thinking things like that in my early twenties, but that’s another story.

Moving Too Fast, Learning Too Late: The Pitfalls of Hastily Formed Connections

I’ve also had friends meet and move in with someone within several months – waaaaay too quick in my opinion – only to later realize this person wasn’t exactly who they portrayed themselves to be. Sometimes you can’t even get them to leave – but that’s a whole other story too!

I don’t know where this “six month rule” of thumb came from, but it really is a good one to keep in mind as you date. Do not rush into anything with anyone. Keep a bit of your heart to yourself as this new relationship unfolds.

Fact: It does take time to get to know all of the different facets of a person

We can all put our best foot forward in the beginning – but how long can we keep that up? When life throws a curve ball at us, how do we handle it? Finding out what a person is really made of and how they deal with various obstacles and situations can only happen over a prolonged length of time. So I say sit back, relax and enjoy getting to know someone at a comfortable pace.