40 Days of Dating is a reality-based web piece documenting two good friends’ attempt to get to the bottom of their relationship issues by dating each other for 40 days — and documenting it online. The site is cleverly designed, with gorgeous title treatments for each day, and reports from both — Jessica Walsh and Timothy Goodman (both designers, ‘natch) — laid out side by side. Interspersed throughout are photos, little videos, etc. Rules include: the two have to see each other every day; no dating or sex with anyone else; and the 40 days have to include at least one weekend trip.

From the site:

Love is a central theme in humanity across time and cultures. It’s one of the main topics in music, film, novels, poetry, and art. But what exactly is it, and why do we all approach it so differently? How does it affect us so deeply that sane people have gone mad over it?

The dating life in New York City can grow tiresome and wearing. Tim is afraid of commitment, often dating many girls at once, and he’s losing sight of what a healthy relationship means. Jessica is a hopeless romantic, jumping into relationships too quickly, always looking to find “the one.”

It’s been said that it takes 40 days to change a bad habit. In an attempt to explore and hopefully overcome their fears and inadequacies, Tim and Jessica will go through the motions of a relationship for the next 40 days: the commitment, time, companionship, joys and frustrations. Can they help each other, or will they fall into their same habits? Will they damage their friendship? What if they fall in love?

Jessica and Tim are up to day 28. They have seen The Place Beyond the Pines together. And there has been sex. Check out 40 Days of Dating at the link. (HT: Text of Light.)