Dating: The 90 Day Rule

I mainly operate in two gears: slow and really fast. There really isn't an in between, which in dating, is not in the least bit desirable to potential dates. I recall last year when I was getting frustrated with the guy who let his friend grope me on Valentine's Day, asking a guy friend for advice on what to do with how I was feeling, now 2 months into dating this guy. Despite the fact that suspicions that he still was not over his ex were beginning to arise, I did really like him.

My friend explained to me that the beginning of any potential relationship should follow a 90 day rule. Sort of like a 90 day probationary period at a new job--it is the time when you are getting to know each other, to see if they'll screw up (and how they handle that) and as you approach 90 days, to decide if that person is worth potentially keeping around for the long term.

It made sense. A trial period, so to speak.

I remember two weeks shy of 90 days jokingly telling the guy that he better shape up or he would be done with come the 90 day point. I was only half kidding because, although I liked him, I wasn't sure he was still worth the time I was investing in the relationship. Sure enough, though, the relationship ended a few days before the end of his probationary period. I just couldn't do it anymore.

Every guy I have dated since then I have gone in with the full intention of trying to give them at least 90 days. Well except for the guy who was the worst date ever, but that goes without saying. And while putting a time limit on a relationship from the get go may seem self sabotaging, I try to look at it from the angle of realizing I am helping myself not to waste my time on relationships that just aren't working, rather than dragging it out and torturing myself.

Do you follow a similar concept? I'd love to hear it.