By Ericka Alston Buck
Afro
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
I stumbled upon a relationship hack scrolling through social media and loved it, I think it’s a gem. It’s called the 7/7/7 rule, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, I promise you’ll want to try it out. The idea is simple: you go on a date every 7 days, take a day trip or weekend getaway every 7 weeks, and plan a full vacation every 7 months. Now, I know life gets busy, and relationships can slip into routines – but that’s exactly why this 7/7/7 rule is gold. Let’s dive in!
Date every seven days: The weekly check-in that keeps things fresh
I get it, sometimes it’s hard to carve out time every week, especially when you have kids, work and all the other responsibilities that pile up. But trust me, this commitment to a weekly date is worth it. Think of it as a regular pulse check on your relationship. You’re setting aside time just for each other – no work, no phones, no distractions. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, either! A date every seven days could mean:
- Cooking a meal together and setting up a candlelit dinner at home. Sometimes, the simplest things create the best memories.
- Trying a new restaurant or cuisine in the city, we’ve got quite a few. It’s a fun way to explore flavors together and get out of your comfort zones.
- Going for a nighttime stroll at the park or around Montebello, the Harbor or Harbor East talking about everything and nothing. A change in scenery does wonders!
- Having a cozy movie night with popcorn and your favorite snacks. Rewatch a favorite movie or check out a new release together or when’s the last time you actually went to the theater?
These little dates are a beautiful reminder of why you fell in love in the first place. They keep you both on the same page and allow you to connect on a deeper level, even when life tries to pull you in a million different directions.
Go on a trip every seven weeks: A change of scenery is everything
Now, every seven weeks, it’s time to pack a small bag and go on a little adventure. It doesn’t have to be anything over-the-top; even a quick drive somewhere new can add that spark back into your relationship. These trips are about breaking out of the day-to-day grind and rediscovering each other outside of your usual setting.
Some ideas for your seven-week mini-trip could be:
- A cozy cabin stay for a quiet weekend in nature. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and fresh air that’s so relaxing.
- A visit to a nearby city you’ve never really explored. Hit up some museums, try new restaurants, and maybe even stay at a cute little hotel or Airbnb.
- Beach day or mountain hike. Pack a picnic, bring your favorite playlist and enjoy the scenery while making memories together.
- Drive somewhere just for breakfast or brunch and make a morning of it. Sometimes, getting out early and having a new experience can feel like a mini-vacation in itself.
These trips remind you both that there’s so much more to life than your usual routine. When you see your partner trying something new or just being out of their element, it’s like getting to know them all over again. And that feeling? It’s priceless.
A vacation every seven months: Leveling up the romance
Now, every seven months, it’s time for the big one. This is the trip you both get excited about and look forward to – a real vacation. This could be as simple or as grand as you’d like; it’s about creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. When you’re away from the everyday, surrounded by new sights, sounds and people, it gives you both a chance to fully relax and be in each other’s presence. Plus, there’s something so romantic about exploring a new place together.
Some vacation ideas:
- Go somewhere tropical and spend days by the beach or pool, just soaking up the sun.
- Head to a romantic city like New Orleans, Chicago or even somewhere international if you can swing it. Spend your time sightseeing, enjoying the nightlife, and finding cute little coffee shops to people-watch.
- Adventure trips like hiking, snorkeling or even skiing (if that’s your thing). The thrill of trying something new can be bonding like no other!
- Stay at a luxurious spa resort and really pamper yourselves. Take this time to unwind, rejuvenate and spoil each other.
This is your time to recharge not just as individuals, but as a couple. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you both keep that spark alive. Whether you’ve been together for a few months or several years, getting away together will remind you why you make a great team and help you come back home even more connected.
Why it’s important to keep the energy alive
Listen, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been together a few months or a few decades – keeping things exciting and fresh is essential. Relationships are like plants: they need attention, time and a little TLC to grow. By committing to this 7/7/7 rule, you’re saying to each other, “We matter, and I’m choosing us, time and time again.” That’s a powerful message to send to your partner.
Plus, we all know life isn’t easy. Some weeks can feel like you’re just pushing through. But knowing you have something to look forward to – whether it’s a weekly date, a weekend trip, or a full-on vacation – makes it all a little brighter. It brings you closer and reminds you both of the joy, love and fun you share.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to try the 7/7/7 rule and bring a little more love, excitement, and adventure back into your relationship? I am!
