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Sex therapist explains why '2-2-2 rule' is an 'amazing asset' couples shouldn't ignore
Home>News>Sex & Relationships
Updated 14:30 17 Mar 2026 GMTPublished 13:53 16 Mar 2026 GMT

Sex therapist explains why '2-2-2 rule' is an 'amazing asset' couples shouldn't ignore

It might just save your relationship

Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard Kaonga

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Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life

Gerrard Kaonga
Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard is a Journalist at UNILAD and has dived headfirst into covering everything from breaking global stories to trending entertainment news. He has a bachelors in English Literature from Brunel University and has written across a number of different national and international publications. Most notably the Financial Times, Daily Express, Evening Standard and Newsweek.

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A sex therapist has spoken of the benefits of couples incorporating the '2-2-2 rule' into their relationship to regain the spark.

Making a relationship work can prove to be difficult for a whole host of reasons and many don’t lose their fire in just one day.

More often than not, it is something that happens over time until one or both parties realize they aren’t happy anymore and either don’t want to or don’t know how to fix it.

But an expert has explained there is a relatively simple method people can implement to help avoid these situations and ensure the electricity remains - and it has nothing to do with what goes on between the sheets.

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Enter the 2-2-2 rule, something that has long been praised and suggested on relationship forums on social media.

The rule could help prevent these situations (Getty Stock Images)
The rule could help prevent these situations (Getty Stock Images)

What is the '2-2-2 rule'?

It works pretty simply and ultimately helps couples focus on one another in romantic settings rather than getting bogged down in the monotonous and predictable.

Every two weeks, go on a date night. Every two months, go on a weekend trip. Every two years, take a longer vacation together, it is that simple.

This way, couples spend less time waiting for special occasions and anniversaries to spend time together romantically.

Dr Cooper-Lovett, a certified sex therapist, praised the thinking behind the 2-2-2 rule and said it can help couples rekindle lost spark and remind them to make time for one another.

Speaking to the HuffPost UK, she explained: “The rule is effective in preventing life’s responsibilities from getting in the way of your connection, which is important. Intimacy doesn’t just passively grow; it needs attention and work.”

Seems simple enough, right? (UNILAD)
Seems simple enough, right? (UNILAD)

She also noted that couples don’t need to be super strict with the 'rule', as it can be beneficial to just use it as a 'guide'.

The expert also highlighted that money doesn't have to be such a big factor and the key intention is to spend more romantic time together.

Cooper-Lovett continued: “But making time to do something together, like a board game or movie night in, can definitely help the spark.

All smiles around on date night (Getty Stock Images)
All smiles around on date night (Getty Stock Images)

“So often we consider our partner as the co-manager of the household, but this helps to remind us that they’re our life partner too, for the mundane and the fun.”

While the therapist noted that the rule won’t magically solve any and all issues, it can still be a useful tool for strengthening the relationship.

She concluded: “If couples can adapt it to work within their own lives and relationships, I think it can be an amazing asset. The takeaway [from it] is regular connection and sharing fun experiences.”

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