Conceived by Vince Hudson, the PDF Scoring System is a proprietary relationship evaluation tool based on a modified interpretation of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. This original framework measures three key relationship pillars—Passion, Decision, and Friendship—using clearly defined 10-point scales for each, allowing users to assess the quality and sustainability of their romantic relationship with precision. Unlike traditional applications of Sternberg’s model, this system introduces quantifiable scoring, alignment thresholds, and lifecycle analysis, along with benchmarked interpretations across a bell curve. The complete scoring framework, definitions, rating descriptions, and diagnostic thresholds are published in Date Like a Brand and represented visually in the Relationship Triangle chart. This system transforms abstract concepts of love into measurable data, offering a uniquely strategic and emotionally intelligent tool for evaluating and sustaining romantic partnerships. The full methodology and scorecard are included as an addendum. Addendum: Full text, descriptions, and scorecard rubric (as pasted above) detailing Passion, Decision, and Friendship scales from Date Like a Brand.Measure the Relationship After we’ve done the hard work to build your brand and strengthen your DVP, why would you settle for running on chance? When you start to consider committing to another person (another brand), you’ve moved beyond selling to partnership. And just like in business, that partnership needs to be monitored, managed, and measured. PDF is the tool we use to measure our Net Promoter Score. Based on Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, this framework measures the Passion, Decision, and Friendship in a relationship. Sternberg proposed that the healthiest, most enduring romantic relationships have these three things in common: Passion: The physical component of the relationship—As the relationship progresses, is the physical attraction growing or fading? Is the relationship growing more intimate? Decision: The mind compatibility of the relationship—Are you both on the same page with your vision for the future? Are your plans for children, lifestyle, careers, and future similar? Friendship: The long-lasting part of the relationship—Do you genuinely enjoy being with each other? Do you feel safe and energized after you spend time together? <INSERTIMAGE 16: The Relationship Triangle>These three dimensions work like a triangle. Though they don’t always show up equally, and they may rise and fall over time, if one side weakens substantially, the shape—the relationship—becomes unstable. The PDF Triangle becomes our Relationship Scorecard. It gives us a means to analyze the strength of the bond of the relationship beyond how good your partner looks on paper. It allows us to quantify love with grounded insight rather than guesswork. Each dimension of the PDF has a ten-point scale, much like the DVP Score. Understanding your PDF allows you to assess your relationship the way brand managers evaluate performance by looking at what components are average, which parts are exceptional, and where the partnership is at risk. A five rating in any of the three areas indicates an average relationship. Ten means part of the partnership is excellent, and a one indicates an extreme breakdown or absence of that element. There is a major difference between the DVP Score and the PDF Scale. While an average score in the DVP means you’re much like most of the population, a five in PDF isn’t acceptable. Just like in marketing, an average performance rating is a warning sign. Average will not keep customers loyal, and it won’t sustain a partnership either. The reason the divorce rate remains a consistent 50 percent is because too many people coast through their relationship, assuming a five in friendship and a four in decision-making are passing. While it’s functional, that level of PDF is not fulfilling, and eventually, the striving becomes exhausting. To sum it up, while your relationship will survive a five in one or two areas of DVP, maintaining a five average in PDF is not a sustainable strategy. Healthy relationships, like successful brands, do the work. They innovate, communicate, and recommit. They don’t assume; they measure and adapt. So let’s look at the scale to see how your partnership measures up. The Passion Scale The Passion scale measures emotional and physical intensity. More than the other two, Passion may fluctuate as the demands of life change; however, if it remains at a five or below for a significant amount of time, you’ll need to give this area extra attention in order to keep your partnership healthy. Score Description 10 A rare form of lasting passion. The emotional and physical connection remains vibrant, soulful, and continually renewed over time. Few couples sustain this level—but it’s possible when emotional depth and desire evolve together. 9 Very high attraction and chemistry. Desire rekindles easily and often. 8 Frequent and fulfilling intimacy. Connection stays exciting over time. 7 Above-average passion. You make an effort to stay attracted and connected. 6 Some spark remains. You’re still attracted, but not always expressive. 5 Average couple: Intimacy happens but feels routine or strained. 4 Passion has declined. Intimacy feels obligatory or faded. 3 Attraction is fading, and you feel disconnected physically. 2 Minimal desire. Intimacy is avoided or feels strained. 1 Passion is absent. Resentment or repulsion may be present. The Decision Scale The Decision Scale measures your commitment and long-term clarity. Many couples are together without a clear alignment on their future. This mindset that settles for average sets the stage for an unsustainable relationship. Score Description 10 Total mutual clarity. You’ve chosen each other with shared goals and strategy. 9 Long-term commitment has been tested and affirmed. 8 Strong mutual intention and daily alignment. 7 Clear and growing commitment. You’re investing on purpose. 6 Defined commitment, but future plans need clarity. 5 Average couple: Commitment exists in name, not vision. 4 Commitment is ambiguous. One or both feel unsure. 3 Fluctuating commitment. Breakup-and-makeup cycles are common. 2 One partner is emotionally exiting. 1 No real commitment. One or both are done. The Friendship Scale The Friendship Scale measures emotional safety and companionship in the relationship. Being “teammates” without developing a deep level of friendship leaves your partnership average. You want more than to merely “do life together.” Score Description 10 Deep friendship. Total trust, comfort, and laughter. 9 Exceptionally close. You genuinely enjoy each other. 8 Consistent companionship and openness. 7 Above-average friendship. You talk, laugh, and connect. 6 You work well together. Some depth, but not fully open. 5 Average couple: You coexist but don’t always connect. 4 Friendship has faded. You don’t talk deeply anymore. 3 You feel emotionally isolated or judged. 2 Communication is minimal. Trust feels broken. 1 No friendship. Conflict, distance, or bitterness dominates. The Scorecard Use this scorecard to evaluate your relationship. Where does it stand today? What would you like it to look like next year? SIDE OF THE TRIANGLE 1–3 (Low) 4–6 (Functional) 7–10 (Thriving) Your Score Passion Weak or absent. Physical and emotional intimacy has faded. Some spark remains, but it’s inconsistent or routine. You maintain a strong and expressive connection. [ ] Decision No clarity or fading commitment. You’re “together,” but the vision is unclear. You’ve chosen each other. Mutual clarity exists. [ ] Friendship Emotional distance or mistrust. You function, but rarely connect on a deep level. You feel safe, seen, and supported. [ ] Total Score (Max = 30): [ ] What It Means: Score Interpretation 25–30 Exceptional: A strong, intentional relationship with full alignment. Keep nurturing. 21–24 Healthy: Minor imbalances. Continue investing in weak spots. 15–20 Functional, Not Fulfilled: You’re surviving, not thriving. Focused work is required. <15 At Risk: Critical gaps. Time for honest evaluation and change.