A woman has shared the controversial dating rules she and her partner follow – but TikTok users aren’t convinced.
Lexi Klimpfinger, 23, has been with her boyfriend Jack for two-and-a-half years.
In order to keep their relationship going smoothly, the pair have accumulated a list of rather non-traditional ‘rules’.
This includes Lexi being able to accept free drinks from other men on nights out, and waiter Jack flirting while on the job to secure higher tips.
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The post garnered over 600,000 views and left viewers divided, with some even questioning if they really love one another.
“None of these rules has ever caused issues between us,” Lexi, a graphic designer and social media manager based in Los Angeles, US, told What’s The Jam.
“There was never a clear moment where we decided these rules, they just naturally came up as the relationship went on.
“We both agreed they felt right for us.”
The first premise that the pair work from?
Lexi being able to bag free drinks while out.
She said: “If I am ever at a bar, with or without Jack, we both feel it is no big deal if I accept a drink from another man.
“It is the responsibility of the man offering to either make his intentions clear or ask if I am in a relationship.
“I have never lied or said I did not have a boyfriend, but almost always I am not asked.
“I am not lying or deceiving, I am simply accepting a beverage offered to me.
“I can see this being controversial.
“I know a lot of relationships do not have as strong a trust with each other and could be afraid this would lead to their partner cheating.”
Another rule that Lexi and Jack live by includes Jack, who is a waiter, flirting with women customers to get higher tips – with many of them leaving their numbers behind on the bill.
Jack also regularly messages Lexi’s best friend, but their trust in each other means it is never an issue.
Lexi explained: “I can see how this could be controversial because of a lack of trust.
“But I have 100% confidence in my best friend that she would never do anything to hurt me.
“We have been friends for over 10 years and I know her better than anyone.
“If someone is worried about their best friend and boyfriend getting together and cheating, then there is clearly a trust issue.
“If you think they would ever do that to you maybe it’s a sign to get better friends and a better boyfriend.”
The couple, who met in college when they were neighbours, are also open about celebrity crushes.
Lexi explained: “The idea that you will never find another person attractive when you’re seeing someone is ridiculous.
“We have done this since the beginning of our relationship and it has never bothered either of us because we are secure in how attractive we find each other.
“It is not human to say that once you’re in a relationship you will never find another attractive.
“That is simply impossible.
“I can see how speaking out loud could make someone feel insecure because they don’t look anything like that particular celebrity – and if it makes your partner insecure then definitely don’t do it.
“But if it doesn’t bother either of you then it’s all good!”
Despite Lexi’s confidence, not everyone online was convinced.
One person asked: “Do u even love each other?”
“Kind of weird to intentionally lead people on for ur own financial benefit,” said another critic.
“I was with you at first but it just got worse,” said someone else.
But others insisted the rules were fine.
One person commented: “These aren’t controversial this is just a healthy relationship.”
“I honestly think free drinks is valid,” another user agreed.
Weighing in on the online reaction, Lexi stated how not everyone has rushed to support her.
Lexi said of the “split” online reaction to her post: “I’d say half of the responses are very positive, praising us for how healthy and trusting our relationship seems to be.
“The other half has been people thinking we’re crazy and that one of us is bound to cheat on the other.
“Our family and friends are extremely supportive and think we have a very open and healthy relationship.
“I would like to add that my boyfriend and I are so in love even two-and-a-half years in.
“And we have such a healthy, open relationship full of respect for each other.”
“He is truly one of a kind and I couldn’t have dreamed of a better relationship.”
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