Do You Have A Three-Day Rule?

If you have a policy of waiting a few days before calling someone to ask her out, you're probably missing out and don't even know it.

eHarmony conducted a survey of 2,012 of their members (in honor of the year) and the results are in - 71% of men and 73% of women claim that it's ridiculous to wait three days to return a phone call. So why drag it out? And that's not the only evidence they discovered showing that things have changed in the dating world over the last few years.

Some other interesting findings:

• Women aren't the only ones following The Rules and playing hard to get - 41% of men do the same thing. When you can't have something, doesn't it make you want it more?
• Pick up lines are okay - 44% of women admit to liking them, probably because it doesn't happen so often anymore (though maybe over text...)
• There are no more blind dates - almost half of men and women look up potential dates on Facebook prior to meeting for the first time. So be sure to keep track of what you post!
• Talking is still a good thing. Over 75% of men and women agree that having a real conversation is better than exchanging text messages. I know we're in a hurry most of the time, but this is your dating life, so you can make time for phone conversations and in-person meetings rather than getting to know someone via text.
• Being busy doesn't work in your favor. Eighty-nine percent of men and 77% of women would agree to a same-day date if they were available. Since it's so easy to meet other people quickly, you have to take opportunities while you have them. No more waiting three weeks as you email back and forth to go on a date - if you find a profile attractive, then reach out. Call and schedule a date for that night. There's no time like the present.

So maybe it's time to take more chances - approach that woman at the bar and try flirting, or call one of your online matches to meet you for a coffee tonight. Stop relying on text messages as your primary means of communication - when it comes to relationships, talking is still a good thing. (And put your phone down when you're actually on a date...)

Now is a good time to ignore all the traditional rules and do what feels right for you.

For more on the dating site which conducted this survey please read our eHarmony.com review.