Does the viral ‘24-hour rule’ for couples actually…
There’s a statute of limitations on gripes with your companion.
That’s the logic behind the viral “24-hour rule,” a helpful strategy that halts enduring fights and may save a spiralling relationship.
The concept? Bring up to your companion whatever they did to upset you within 24 hours — or perpetually maintain your peace.
Many on social media swear by the rule, claiming that it’s helped forestall them from sending a rage textual content or frightening a screaming match.
“This has helped me a lot. I’ve found that ghosting someone for 24 hours so I can cool down is much better than overreacting and sending an emotional text,” a remark under a video on the subject read.
Another added, “I’ve used this method for years. It works every time. FYI, sometimes you need 48 hrs and that’s ok.”
Someone else chimed in, writing, “I’ve learned this over the last few yrs. It’s best to wait and process then discuss. Cuz responding right off the rip hurts ppl.”
But therapists say the rule isn’t a one-size-fits-all repair.
“For couples who habitually avoid conflict or suppress their emotions, a time boundary can act as a healthy accountability structure,” Krista Norris, LMFT, PhD, told The Post.
Instead of reacting in the second, the development forces people to cool off before having a dialog about their emotions.
Translation: it could stop resentment from quietly festering.
Still, Norris warns that inflexible timelines can do more hurt than good — particularly if one companion feels rushed to speak before they’re emotionally regulated.
As she put it bluntly, “Regulation must come before resolution.”
Licensed psychotherapist Sanya Bari agreed, noting that forcing a dialog too soon can blow up fast.
“Forcing a ‘24-hour talk’ late at night after a stressful workday often leads to defensiveness or saying things you don’t mean — not resolution,” she told The Post.
That strain, specialists say, might be particularly dangerous for couples dealing with trauma, energy imbalances, or unresolved trust points.
Instead of this inflexible 24-hour rule, Melissa Tract, LCSW, fellow psychotherapist and founder of Mindful with Mel, suggests a a lot softer strategy.
“I recommend reframing it as a ‘24-hour check-in’ rather than a requirement to resolve the issue,” she told The Post.
Instead of hashing every thing out on a deadline, Tract advises merely acknowledging the pressure — even if you’re not prepared to dive in.
“I am not ready to discuss this fully, and I don’t want to ignore it,” is one script she recommends, paired with a concrete plan to revisit the issue later.
The takeaway? Sometimes, the smartest transfer isn’t beating the 24-hour clock — it’s understanding when to hit pause before urgent ship.
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