The viral '333 rule' is changing the way people date — and it actually works.

If there's one thing single women know about navigating the dating pool right now, it's that it is ROUGH out there.

Dating with purpose often means weeding through a lot of time wasters. We wouldn't blame you if you're left feeling a little hopeless and defeated after finding yourself caught in yet another situationship (a romantic relationship that is not defined or established, ICYMI).

Some women have even gone so far as to give up on dating all together.

This is where the now-viral '333 dating rule' comes in. What's that, we hear you ask? Well, let us explain.

But first, know this: it requires discipline, and might push you to make some tough decisions, but it also might save you a lot of drama and hurt, too.

What is the 333 dating rule?

The '333 dating rule' was popularised by TikTok user @shadierecinos, and it stands for three dates, three weeks, three months.

The idea is that by each of these checkpoints you should uncover a piece of information that will let you know whether to keep pursuing the connection.

Use this handy guide to follow the '333 dating rule':

• After 3 Dates: You should know if you and your date are actually attracted to one another.

• After 3 Weeks: At this point, you're probably communicating a little more and have gone on a few more dates. This should help you see whether there's real *potential* and *chemistry* between you. Ask yourself: Could you potentially envision a future with this person? If the answer is yes, then continue.

• After 3 Months: According to Recinos' TikTok, "It should not take more than three months to figure out whether you guys are getting into an actual relationship or not." Basically, if you're both in agreement, make it official. If not, part ways amicably, so there's no stressful guesswork.

@shadierecinos

If you’re single and dating with intention, I want you to listen to my 333 rule.

♬ original sound - Shadie

Sure, there's a margin for error (if you need a couple more weeks to figure things out, that's okay), but the idea is that if someone still isn't sure if they want you by a certain period of time, you should cut your losses and move on. Fans of the method say it's a surefire away avoid a situationship or having your heart broken.

This may just be the key to finding a committed relationship — knowing when something isn't working.

The rule stresses that communication is key. You don't have to stick to three months specifically, but what's important is having some sort of deadline so you don't find yourself waiting a year for someone who isn't going to commit.

This might be brutal, but the rule is specifically for people with intentions to be in a serious and committed relationship, who don't want to expend resources or energy towards relationships that don't have longevity and only end in hurt. Basically, it's a bit of a golden rule to avoid situationships altogether.

What do experts think of the 333 dating rule?

Finding a connection that is the real-deal these days can be difficult. Could the '333 dating rule' help you? Image: Getty.

Principle Psychologist at Enriching Lives Psychology Carly Dober reckons that, as long as the 333 dating rule isn't too harsh on your dating life, it could actually be a really good way of ensuring you remain intentional about your time and connections.

"As long as you kind of enter it not being too rigid —you know, attraction might occur on the fourth date for some people, and for some people, it's immediate — dating intentionally is a good idea, [and so is] knowing what you want and being able to communicate it," she told Mamamia.

"There's always going to be outliers where maybe it takes a couple more dates or more time to really get to know someone, because they might be anxious or socially anxious… But think, if this is important to you, then give it a go and see how it works."

Having a framework like the 333 rule could be especially helpful for people who have their own timeline, like if you're wanting to have children or get married soon.

However, Dober cautioned that everyone is on their own journey, so there will always be people who need more time to figure things out than the rule states — and that is totally okay.

(Side note: my husband and I were a bit of a situationship for about four months because he was still figuring things out. Now, we've been together for six years and are happily married. I'm normally the first to tell a girlie to get out of there, but sometimes the person your dating does just need a little bit of time!)

Basically, intentional dating strategies are a good practice, but don't cut off something that's working and making you happy just because it's a little slower than the 333 rule says it should be.

Everyone moves at their own pace, so find out what pace is comfortable for you, and what your limits are on the amount of time you want to spend with someone before there is a commitment.

Feature image: Canva.