Hey y'all, let's talk about the Billy Graham rule (you may know it as the Mike Pence rule). Allow me to bastardize the Wikipedia definition for you:

The Billy Graham rule is a practice among Protestant Christians, in which they avoid spending time alone with members of the opposite sex to whom they are not married. It is named after Billy Graham, the most notable proponent of the practice. It is adopted as a display of integrity, a means of avoiding sexual temptation, and to avoid any appearance of doing something considered morally objectionable, but has been criticized as being sexist.

So, full disclosure: I was raised this way. I was taught that this is the appropriate way to conduct yourself when you're in a relationship. No meeting up with members of the opposite sex one-on-one, no calling/texting/messaging them. It seems utterly normal to me, and more than that, it seems prudent.

I know that feminists have an issue with the Billy Graham rule-- Mike Pence has received considerable flak for his choice not to dine alone with women, or attend functions where alcohol is served without his wife. BUT, I was surprised to find that RP-leaning men were just as critical of the practice. I heard similar reactions from men as from women: that the practice is controlling, backwards, and old-fashioned.

I'll admit this surprised me, since red pill men have a vested interest in maintaining control over their relationship and their woman.

One common criticism is that the BG rule shows a lack of trust, either in your partner or in your own ability to resist temptation. I think this is a misconception of motive; avoiding even the appearance of impropriety, and showing yourself faithful beyond a doubt, is a way to show respect to your SO.

So, thoughts from the peanut gallery? Would you be happy if your SO followed the Billy Graham rule? Would you be willing to follow it if someone requested it of you?