The news that “love rat” actor Andrew Buchan had been taken back by Amy Nuttall, the wife he left in January for another woman, was the topic of conversation last week. Since then, it has been the most talked-about topic around water coolers — topping Meghan’s hat and shorts ensemble, rude lousy Australians, and “What is the weather doing?” — not because of the happy ending but rather because of Nuttall’s extensive list of requirements for returning Buchan. And one particular requirement has caught our attention: that the couple follow the 777 Rule moving forward.
The 777 Rule states that you should go out on a date every seven days, take a night away every seven weeks, and take a romantic vacation together every seven months. Although it may sound a little prescriptive and having an à deux vacation almost twice a year may be excessive, we understand the objective. The wheels could come off if you don’t perform the routine maintenance, and you would regret the resulting auto accident.
Nevertheless, you don’t have need to be mending a relationship to embrace the 777 Rule; you might just want to keep it going or you might want to use it in other aspects of your life.
Relationship maintenance
Every seven days you change out of your WFH uniform into something less loose and comfy. Every seven weeks you do something about your upper lip and toenails. Every seven months you book a table for two in the pub and make a note not to mention one of the seven banned topics. These will vary a bit but will generally include: why you listened to Porky Burlington about the mortgage and not Us; and why are we going to your third cousin’s wedding in Stornaway when we could have been staying with the Whatsits in Greece?
Friendship maintenance
Every seven days you send a text. Every seven weeks you make a plan. Every seven months you meet up. (If you’re doing this with 12 friends you’re reasonably busy).
Diet
Every seven days you weigh yourself (any more frequently and the week is ruined). Every seven weeks you ban carbs and aim not to eat anything before midday. Every seven months you go for a long stretch of being practically vegetarian and eating fermented foods, or whatever the latest advice is (could be eat meat only and skip the veg). Then repeat.
Drinking
Every seven days you take a day off. Every seven weeks you have four alcohol-free days (even if this has been precipitated by a very heavy weekend with the Whatsits). Every seven months you do Dry January/June – Whatever, or make a really good stab at it.
Exercise
You stretch your calves at your workstation once every seven hours. You attend Pilates or a similar class once every seven days. Every seven weeks, you make a list of the sessions you have missed and why (drinking during Dry June), and you commit to a weekly schedule by signing up with a dependable partner or by making a large upfront payment. The former is more secure.
Parenting young adults
Every seven days you send a “Just checking in” message. Every seven weeks you send a Fam Whatsapp message announcing you are definitely organising a family holiday and asking for dates. Every seven months you panic and book them all non-refundable tickets to Cornwall and a theatre performance featuring Jodie Comer/Paul Mescal (aka actors they will show up for).
Work
You change from idle state to full engine firing every seven days. Every seven weeks, you arrive at work before anyone else and are already seated at your desk, typing furiously. Every seven months, you put on your best outfit and carry yourself with confidence to give the impression that you are interviewing for a job, and they shouldn’t be taking you for granted.
Good luck.