What Is a “Hall Pass”?

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Learn the definition of a “hall pass” in school and in relationships
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You may have heard of a “hall pass” to get out of class at school, but did you know this term also has another meaning in the context of romantic relationships? In this article, we’ll go over the literal and slang definitions of a hall pass, along with examples of how the term is used in conversation. We’ll also discuss whether or not hall passes are healthy for romantic relationships. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

What exactly is a “hall pass”?

In a literal context, a hall pass is a note from a teacher that allows you to be outside of class during school. As a slang term, a hall pass is permission for one or both partners in a romantic relationship to sleep with someone else (usually a celebrity) without any consequences.

Section 1 of 4:

Hall Pass Literal Meaning

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    In many American classrooms, teachers have special objects that a student must carry to show that they’re allowed to be outside of the classroom during class time, usually to go to the bathroom, the nurse’s office, or the library. [1] Hall passes are often laminated cards that have the words “hall pass” or the location where the student is going written on them.
    • “I had to go to the nurse’s office, so my teacher gave me a hall pass to make sure I wouldn’t get in trouble for being out of class.”
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Section 2 of 4:

What is a hall pass in a relationship?

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    Just like a hall pass gives a student permission to do something they normally wouldn’t be allowed to do (leave the classroom during class time), a hall pass gives one or both partners in a romantic relationship permission to sleep with someone else. It’s essentially a “free pass” to be unfaithful, but only on a one-off basis. [2]
    • Less commonly, the term “hall pass” can mean permission to go out with friends, rather than staying home with your partner. [3]
    • Ex: “My girlfriend gave me a hall pass to hang out with the guys all night, so let’s go bar hopping!”
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    Most of the time, the term refers to a person naming a famous celebrity to be their “hall pass,” i.e., the one person they can cheat on their partner with without repercussions. [4] For example, someone might say, “Harry Styles is my hall pass. If I were ever to meet him, my partner is totally fine with me shooting my shot.”
    • In this context, the concept of having a “hall pass” is mostly a fun joke between partners, since it’s unlikely that either will actually meet the celebrity they’ve chosen.
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    Sometimes, partners agree on having a general “hall pass” for a period of time. This means that they each can sleep with someone else without it counting as cheating, usually in an attempt to temporarily feel “free” without any consequences. [5] This is the premise of the 2011 movie Hall Pass , starring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis. [6]
    • In this context, a hall pass can be a bit more problematic because one or both partners actually plan to sleep with someone outside of the relationship.
    • There are a few reasons why you might want to think twice before implementing this version of a hall pass, and we’ll go over them below.
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Section 3 of 4:

Are “hall passes” healthy for relationships?

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    If you and your partner are using the “hall pass” to cover up real issues, rather than addressing them, it may end up causing more harm than good. [7] For example, if you've lost the physical spark between you and are trying to introduce a hall pass to spice things up, this may end up damaging trust and pushing you further apart. You also may think that you’re okay with your partner sleeping with someone else, then feel hurt or betrayed after the fact.
    • If you and your partner are feeling less connected physically, it’s best to make an effort to grow closer and increase intimacy between you, rather than trying out a “hall pass.”
    • Romantic outings that remind you of earlier times in the relationship (like going on a date at the place where you first met) may also help reignite the spark. [8]
Section 4 of 4:

Other Slang Meanings for “Hall Pass”

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    As a slang term, "hall pass" is most commonly used in the context of romantic relationships, but it can also mean that someone has free rein to do something that wouldn’t normally be allowed. For example:
    • “My mom is usually really strict about family dinners, but since my sister just went through that break-up, she got a hall pass to eat up in her room.”
    • “My coworker is always making mistakes, but he’s so likable that our boss always lets things slide. It's like he has a permanent hall pass.”
    • “He was not very good in the movie, but he’s so talented that he gets a hall pass for one bad performance.”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/hall-pass
      2. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/giving-your-partner-a-hall-pass-in-your-relationship-is-a-bad-idea-heres-why/
      3. ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/hall-pass
      4. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=celebrity%20hall%20pass
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reel-therapy/201107/hall-pass-bad-sex-advice
      6. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480687/
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reel-therapy/201107/hall-pass-bad-sex-advice
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reel-therapy/201107/hall-pass-bad-sex-advice

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