A man’s list of essential guidelines on how men should treat women has caused quite a stir online. Some people see his advice as just the “bare minimum,” while others find some of the rules to be “outdated.” TikTok creator Chase Ridgeway uploaded a video of his dating principles on August 5, 2026, which went viral. Even though Ridgeway had been single for three years, he felt it was important to express his views on this topic. The video gained millions of views and received many likes and comments.
Many viewers supported Ridgeway’s focus on being considerate, planning dates, and making an effort to connect with a partner’s friends and family. Some comments reflected this support, with one person noting how ridiculous it is that the basics needed explanation nowadays, while another suggested that if someone thought the advice was too much, they might not be ready for a relationship.
On the other hand, not everyone agreed. Some viewers criticized the gender-specific nature of the guidance, with one saying the advice felt outdated and somewhat off. Bored Panda interviewed dating expert Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, who mentioned that the effectiveness of the rules might not simply fit into the categories of progressive or outdated. She highlighted the importance of both partners valuing their relationship dynamic. Dr. O’Reilly suggested prioritizing curiosity, respect, and responsiveness rather than a strict set of rules. She encouraged people to focus on what makes their partner feel valued and what is important to them.
Ridgeway’s eight dating rules include a few points that stand out. For example, he noted that if a woman shares her problems, it shows she feels safe and comfortable. He said that a man’s approach should be to take those concerns seriously. Some viewers appreciated this idea, while others disagreed, claiming that a partner’s issues should not automatically become one’s own. They advocated for understanding and supporting the partner without taking on their problems entirely, which could lead to co-dependency.
Dr. O’Reilly echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for genuine interest rather than superficial support. She mentioned that it is crucial to be honest and curious about a partner’s feelings without pretending. She also criticized the tendency of some relationship advice to focus on individual actions that lead to specific outcomes, rather than considering the larger societal norms that influence how feelings and experiences are perceived.
Ultimately, being there for a partner might not require fixing every issue. Often, simply listening, showing empathy, and understanding their needs can be more beneficial.
Another of Ridgeway’s rules encourages showing the same kindness to a partner’s friends as one would show to them. What do you think about these dating guidelines?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Rocio Corsi