Preparing for Marriage by Dating

We have recently talked about preparing for marriage in class. Well, a large part of preparing for marriage is dating. Now, there is a difference between dating and hanging out. Hanging out is just being around someone for a certain period of time, while dating is more than that. Hanging out is usually spontaneous, and if you are hanging out with lots of people, there is almost that sense of competition to fight for one person's attention. A relationship built upon hanging out all the time is not the healthiest of relationships, and it can determine the kind of marriage a couple will have.

Dating is usually classified as these three things: planned, paid for, and paired off. When a date or activity is planned, that shows that there was conscious effort put behind it. It isn't just some spontaneous hang out where you watch Netflix and barely speak to each other. When a date is paid for, that means resources have been put into place, and can also show how much thought the person put into the whole date. A date doesn't have to be expensive, though. Some of the most fun dates are the small ones that don't take a lot of money, such as a small picnic in the park. Finally, a date really should be paired off, which means it's just you and your date, or you two and another couple. It should really be clear, though, who is on the date with whom.When a couple is paired off, they can really get to know one another, and there is more opportunity to learn about personal interests and such. Being paired off also means that each person is responsible for the needs of the other, and should be more sensitive to that, instead of having to worry about multiple people (like in hanging out).

Dating is also a good way to get to know another person, and see how they react in certain situations. For example, if two couples go on a date, and they decide to go to the park and build a snow fort (assuming it's winter), that is an opportunity to someone's true personality and character in a group setting. You can see how they react to other people's ideas, and how they interact with other couples. It is also a way to see how they show leadership, and how they respond to the cold weather. It is important to go on many different kinds of dates when in a relationship with someone, to see how they are in specific circumstances. It is also a way to show the kind of person you are. Just know that the best predictor of future behavior is current behavior.

Dating is truly important when trying to choose a future spouse and companion. It shows what kind of person you are with, and is a way to get to know them personally. Dating is also just plain fun. Remember, it doesn't mean that you love that person, or that you have to be committed to them; it is a fun way to get to know lots of people, while finding what you want in an eternal companion.

Thanks for reading!