There’s a statute of limitations on gripes with your partner.
That’s the logic behind the viral “24-hour rule,” a helpful strategy that halts enduring fights and could save a spiralling relationship.
The idea? Bring up to your partner whatever they did to upset you within 24 hours — or forever hold your peace.
Many on social media swear by the rule, claiming that it’s helped prevent them from sending a rage text or provoking a screaming match.
“This has helped me a lot. I’ve found that ghosting someone for 24 hours so I can cool down is much better than overreacting and sending an emotional text,” a comment under a video on the topic read.
Another added, “I’ve used this method for years. It works every time. FYI, sometimes you need 48 hrs and that’s ok.”
Someone else chimed in, writing, “I’ve learned this over the last few yrs. It’s best to wait and process then discuss. Cuz responding right off the rip hurts ppl.”
But therapists say the rule isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix.
“For couples who habitually avoid conflict or suppress their emotions, a time boundary can act as a healthy accountability structure,” Krista Norris, LMFT, PhD, told The Post.
Translation: it can stop resentment from quietly festering.
Still, Norris warns that rigid timelines can do more harm than good — especially if one partner feels rushed to talk before they’re emotionally regulated.
As she put it bluntly, “Regulation must come before resolution.”
Licensed psychotherapist Sanya Bari agreed, noting that forcing a conversation too soon can blow up fast.
“Forcing a ‘24-hour talk’ late at night after a stressful workday often leads to defensiveness or saying things you don’t mean — not resolution,” she told The Post.
That pressure, experts say, can be especially risky for couples dealing with trauma, power imbalances, or unresolved trust issues.
Instead of this rigid 24-hour rule, Melissa Tract, LCSW, fellow psychotherapist and founder of Mindful with Mel, suggests a much softer approach.
“I recommend reframing it as a ‘24-hour check-in’ rather than a requirement to resolve the issue,” she told The Post.
Instead of hashing everything out on a deadline, Tract advises simply acknowledging the tension — even if you’re not ready to dive in.
“I am not ready to discuss this fully, and I don’t want to ignore it,” is one script she recommends, paired with a concrete plan to revisit the issue later.
The takeaway? Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t beating the 24-hour clock — it’s knowing when to hit pause before pressing send.
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