Why I believe in this unspoken “footpath” rule that could indicate your boyfriend doesn’t really love you
A relationship coach has revealed the importance of the unspoken ‘sidewalk rule’ – and why not following it could mean your partner doesn’t love you.
Kelley Bode advised that the “sidewalk” or “footpath” rule applies when the man is walking on the outside of the sidewalk closest to the street.
If your partner is on the inside, you protect him or her from car splashes, traffic accidents and other surprising events. It also applies in situations such as walking near cliffs and walking along bodies of water.
“The psychological reason why women like the sidewalk rule is because they want to feel protected by their husbands,” she said. “His moving her to the inside of the sidewalk shows that he cares about her safety and wants to protect her.”
Kelley added, “It Deep in our brains he checks a box that says he is a safe man who takes care of us.’
Kelley Bode (pictured) said the “sidewalk” or “walkway” rule applies when the man is walking on the outside of the sidewalk closest to the street
If your partner is on the inside, you protect him or her from car splashes, traffic accidents and other similar events. It also applies in situations such as walking near cliffs and walking along bodies of water.
Many women agreed and shared their thoughts on the sidewalk rule.
“It’s about chivalry,” one person wrote. “I can say without a doubt that I have never opened a door around him and I have never walked on the traffic side of the sidewalk.”
“My boyfriend is the one who told me about the sidewalk rule and he never forgets to follow it,” wrote another.
A third said: ‘My dad told me never to be with a man who was on the inside, and he wasn’t wrong.’
“My friend always points out couples where the women walk out and claim their partners don’t love them,” another added.
Some claimed it was not a gendered situation.
“I need the sidewalk rule so I can stay under control,” one man said. ‘Otherwise I’ll accidentally run into oncoming traffic.’
But some men showed their anger at the new dating rule.
“So I’m supposed to get hit by the car instead of her? That’s not happening,” one person said.
“My body can’t absorb the shock of a car,” wrote another. “It doesn’t matter which side I’m on.”