I Have A ‘two-week’ Rule

Thursday | December 27, 2018

Love Letters Dating

I Have A ‘two-week’ Rule

Hi Meredith,

I’m a longtime reader of Love Letters and also a former letter writer. Two words: Online Dating. Help? I have been on paid and unpaid sites and apps. I have an open mind and I am willing to meet up with men in person, but lately my positive spirit is being crushed. From seeing my married friends on Bumble (not even Tinder!), and just endless texts from emotionally unavailable men, it is becoming such a downer. My friends in relationships always like to give me the “well, if I was single” chat all the time, but none of them were single when meeting people online was a thing.

I have implemented some self-imposed rules, and my friends feel I am being ridiculous. If I exchange numbers with someone and they will not commit to plans, I give them two weeks and that is it. I am not ghosting men by any means. I send a polite text saying that it’s great to keep in touch by text, but I am not looking for a pen pal. I do leave the door open and tell them that when they have time they know how to reach me, but usually I never hear from them again. I know this may seem close-minded, but is there ever really a good time to cut your losses and move on? I think I’m placing an expectation out there, while my friends think I am unreasonable. Thoughts?

– Two Weeks

I like your rule. You can tell your friends I said so.

Sometimes it’s impossible for a person to make plans within two weeks (especially during the holidays), but for many, it’s kind of easy. It only takes an hour or so to have a nice coffee. If a person doesn’t seem motivated to meet in person, you shouldn’t waste time trying to get them there.

Your coupled friends might not understand that many people use dating apps for entertainment. It’s hard to imagine that some swipe for hours because it’s something to do, not because they’re looking for a real date. I hear this a lot from people in college and in their 20s. They tell me that the percentage of matches that become first dates is very, very low. Many app users just want to see who likes them back.

But you already know this, and you’ve come up with a rule to ensure that you don’t get stuck in a never-ending chain of messages. As long as you’re giving the person the chance to talk a little – to get to know you – I don’t see anything wrong with asking for what you want.

If your friends have any questions, send them my way.

– Meredith

Readers? Do you have a similar rule for meeting up with people?

Dating Dating fatigue

Featured Comment

I don’t think your two week rule is bad. If you aren’t interested in a long drawn out email dance before an actual in person meeting, then that is fine. And giving them the option to contact you in the future if they are still interested is good, too. Ignore your friends.

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