Three Times

Regarding the phrase "even a Buddha’s patience has its limits" (lit. "even the face of a Buddha, up to three times")—is it really okay to go up to three times?

Could you also explain the meaning of the phrase "the third time’s the charm" (*san-do-me no shōjiki*)?

Also, there’s a proverb that says "if it happens twice, it will happen a third time"—is it correct to interpret this as meaning that if something happens three times, it’s likely to keep happening in the future?

To be honest, Ai-san, I was betrayed by a woman—three times.

By the third time, my love had completely vanished, so I was curious about what these proverbs imply—specifically regarding that "three times" threshold (like the one about the Buddha’s patience). Is there an English equivalent, perhaps something like "if it happens twice, it will happen a third time"?

Looking back, I realize I had my own shortcomings, too—I could have bought her more gifts, and I often turned down her invitations for dates because I was busy with work. I’ve learned from this experience that, in a way, I may have even invited her betrayal. (We were together for a year and a half, though.) I want to make sure that with my next girlfriend, I don’t end up driving her away.

This relationship has come to an end.

It’s true that I haven’t fully processed my feelings yet, but this whole experience...