Forget dating 'rules' — an expert explains all you need for a strong relationship

Flickr / kate hiscock

Dating is complicated enough without tripping over tons of extraneous "rules" about how relationships are supposed to work. (Who made those rules, anyway?)

Author and relationship expert Susan Winter shared the only guidelines you should follow in order to create the relationship you want.

Customize your relationship

Whether you want to stick to standard dating conventions or shake things up, Winter encourages an "à la carte" relationship model.

"Take the pieces that you liked of the traditional, that feel right and good for you, keep the sweetness, [and] create a new model that's flexible and grows," she said. "It's your creation."

Forget the 'rules' about when to call or text

Ditch those "rules" about how long to wait before calling or texting and don't overthink it. If you had a good time, let your date know in a way that feels unstilted.

"Whether it's the 'two-day rule' or the 'one-week rule', that formula is guaranteed to backfire," she said. "The unedited, natural approach is a far better choice."

Don't skimp on respect

It's called "The Golden Rule" for a reason. Being a decent human being never goes out of style.

"Today's dating protocol is far more relaxed than in former generations, but that doesn't mean it should be stripped of polite behavior, kindness, respect, and thoughtfulness," she said.