In 2019, an extra-marital dating app called Gleedan released some shocking statistics. The data from the app with more than five lakh subscribers in India and over 50 lakh users across the globe suggested that among the five lakh users from India, 20% of men and 13% of women admitted that they were cheating on their partners. And the percentage included only those who accepted they were cheating, the real number is projected to be much higher than that.
Apart from cheating, a considerable chunk of the relationships that end up marrying also end up getting divorced after a while. There is a general upward trend in divorces according to the UN's overview of global marriage patterns: "at the world level, the proportion of adults aged 35-39 who are divorced or separated has tripled since the 1970’s". Given the rise in infidelity and separations, what are the things you could do to make sure yours doesn’t face the same fate? For one, there is a “777” rule you can follow to keep the spark alive. Let’s understand the 777 rule with the use of an expert:
Challenges In A Modern Relationships
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Anjali Gursahaney, Emotional & Mental Wellbeing Partner and a Counselling Psychologist from Delhi lists the common challenges modern couples face in maintaining a romantic relationship:
Communication breakdown
Misunderstandings and unresolved problems can result from poor or nonexistent communication. Emotional distance can develop when partners fail to listen to one another or communicate their needs.
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Routine and monotony
As a relationship ages, the novelty and excitement may diminish, giving way to a routine that seems uninteresting. Partners may become disinterested or feel alienated if they don't make an effort to maintain a dynamic relationship.
External Stressors
Family responsibilities, financial concerns, and work demands can all cause stress in relationships. Partners may neglect their relationship when they are overburdened by outside circumstances.
Differing Expectations
When it comes to intimacy and commitment, partners may have different expectations. Frustration and discontent may result if these expectations are not understood or met.
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The Triple-Seven Rule
Anjali says that the "777 Rule" advises couples to consistently make investments in their union and explains three essential practices that are involved:
A Date Every Seven Days:
Keeping a connection requires scheduling a regular date night each week. This could be a movie night, a dinner date, or any other activity that lets the couple spend time together. Distractions like work or technology or kids should be avoided in order to concentrate on one another.
A Night Away Together Every Seven Weeks:
Couples should schedule a staycation or small getaway every few months. They are able to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy each other's company without the typical distractions during this time away from their regular surroundings. Additionally, it adds a sense of adventure and novelty to the relationship and helps break up the monotony of everyday life.
A Romantic Getaway Or Vacation Every Seven Months:
A relationship can benefit greatly from a longer vacation or getaway once or twice a year. It gives couples the chance to strengthen their relationship, travel to new places, and make enduring memories. Couples can improve their teamwork and get to know one another better by travelling together.
Bottomline
There is a fair argument that one shoe does not fit all and each romantic relationship is unique in its own way and that what works for one may not work for another. However, the point of the 777 rule is to remind couples to spend quality time together, whenever possible, to keep the flame going. But besides that, if something else works for your relationship and your partner is more comfortable with spontaneity, one should go with that approach, because at the end of the day, the intent should be to keep your partner happy and your relationship healthier.