I hear people using the 3 second rule, however i prefer the EC method (works 2/3's of the time) However if I see a girl and she looks at me and we lock eyes I approach automatically no problem. I sometimes see a girl and don't approach right away, not because I'm scared but I wanna asscess the situation.

My question is, do you follow the 3 second rule to a tee?
sometimes I like to utlize my surroundings so I go in with a game plan.....

Make your own rules

The 3 second rule is often used to combat Approach Anxiety and give immediate social proof. If you have zero hesitation when you have made EC and you aren't wallflowering then I see no reason to stick to it religiously.

If I make EC and get a smile, I don't hesitate at all. I try not to think. In the end, it is all about what works for you.

Solomon said:

I hear people using the 3 second rule, however i prefer the EC method (works 2/3's of the time) However if I see a girl and she looks at me and we lock eyes I approach automatically no problem. I sometimes see a girl and don't approach right away, not because I'm scared but I wanna asscess the situation.

My question is, do you follow the 3 second rule to a tee?
sometimes I like to utlize my surroundings so I go in with a game plan.....

Click to expand...

3 second rule is a good rule. But it is more of a pain killer. It kills the pain you feel from AA. But if you feel like you must assess the situation, you should do so, and take your time. But remember, no matter how much AA you feel, you have to open the set. No excuses.

Solomon said:

I hear people using the 3 second rule, however i prefer the EC method (works 2/3's of the time) However if I see a girl and she looks at me and we lock eyes I approach automatically no problem. I sometimes see a girl and don't approach right away, not because I'm scared but I wanna asscess the situation.

My question is, do you follow the 3 second rule to a tee?
sometimes I like to utlize my surroundings so I go in with a game plan.....

Click to expand...

Honestly this is one of the perfect examples where you must break away from Mystery Method orthodoxy (which many recovering-AFCs usually fall into) and just do what is more logical & makes sense at the moment! :rock:

The 3-second rule was originally intended to force AFCs with a complete fear of women to gain a psuedo-artificial courage and go into a set like they're they're gonna into battle and whether they open or not is a matter of life & death
(and although my characterization of this method might seem a little critical.... It works perfectly! )


I can tell you from personal experience, preparation works!
(going in like a kamakize/suicide bomber will rarely give you any sucess)

And in almost all cases you have to think about this concept before opening the set ------>
True warriors do not jump into battle unprepared!:box:

Here's a relevant quote courtesy of my High School teachers, I want you guys to think about
If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail!


So in essence, take an appropriate amount of time to prepare yourself before starting any of your routines on your target

I must point out, when you get smooth with a lot of practice, 3 seconds will be long enough for assessing a situation.

Some PUAs have what they call 0 second rule: no time to think.

Basic aim is to appear smooth and spontaneous upon entry, and not be seen hovering around the set.