Alright, let’s talk about how I tried to get my relationship back on track using some simple ground rules. It was a mess, honestly. We were fighting all the time, and it felt like we were drifting apart. So, I thought, why not try something different? I read somewhere about setting “couple rules,” and figured it was worth a shot.

First off, I initiated a sit-down with my partner. Yeah, it was awkward. We hadn’t really talked seriously in ages, just the usual “how was your day” stuff. I told them straight up that we needed to work on us, or we were going to crash and burn. We decided to give these rules a try.
Setting the Ground Rules
We started with regular check-ins. I scheduled it like a meeting – every Sunday night. It felt weird at first, putting our relationship on a schedule, but it was actually kind of helpful. We’d talk about what was bugging us, what we appreciated about each other, and all that jazz.
- Show Respect: This was a big one. We agreed to really listen to each other, no interrupting or eye-rolling. I tried to really see things from my partner’s perspective, even when I thought they were being ridiculous.
- Prioritize Time Together: We were like two ships passing in the night. So, we started having a “date night” once a week. Sometimes it was just pizza and a movie at home, but it was our time.
The Hard Part: Sticking to Them
It wasn’t smooth sailing. Old habits die hard, you know? There were times I just wanted to scream instead of calmly discussing things. And those date nights? Sometimes I was just too tired or too busy with work. But I kept pushing myself. I really did.
One time, we had this huge fight about money. I thought we were going to break up for sure. But then I remembered our rules. We took a break, cooled down, and then actually talked about it like adults. It was rough, but we got through it. I started to see that maybe, just maybe, these rules were actually doing something.
Did It Work?
Slowly, things started to change. We fought less, and when we did, it wasn’t as explosive. I started to feel like we were a team again, not opponents. I even started to enjoy those Sunday night check-ins. It was like we were getting to know each other all over again.

I’m not saying it was a miracle cure. We still have our issues. But these simple rules? They gave us a framework, a way to navigate the rough patches. We were communicating better, and I felt more connected to my partner than I had in years.
It’s still a work in progress, but I’m cautiously optimistic. These couple rules, as basic as they are, have made a real difference. It’s like we’ve been given a second chance, and I’m determined to make the most of it. I’m putting in the effort, and so is my partner. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like we’re actually building something solid, something that might just last.