No hating on dating

This week in Family relations, we continued on the subject of marriage, and specifically the adjustments that come along with this big change. Brother Williams also taught us students about the controversial, but most healthy stages of a relationship. Two people should go on dates, start a courtship, become engaged, and then married. I agree with this order, and wish it was more prevalent in todays society because today, couples are doing more of a "hang-out". There is a big difference between hanging out, and actually going on dates. Dates should also be planned, paired off, and paid for, to be an official date. Brother Williams brought up a good point of how even though couples today are hanging out with each other every hour of every day, that still is not as significant or as best as going on an official date. By going out on dates that do not have to be expensive or extravagant, two people have the chance to focus on each other and talk about deep thoughts, and future plans. I believe that when a couple is just "hanging out", it is more casual and there is not as much emphasis on getting to know the person and spending quality time with them.

Another principle that I learned from Brother Williams, is how dating patterns directly influence and affect the couples marriage. It made me look at my own dating life, and previous relationships, and analyze where or how they ended. I learned that many of the guys I have dated, were more interested in hanging out, rather than being committed and showing that commitment through going on actual dates. Through personal experience, I have learned that hanging out is also confusing on a relationship, because friends or more likely to hang out; not two people who like and are attracted to each other. For my future dating life, I have really made a goal to stand my ground and be better at accepting dates, rather than "lets hang out and watch a movie". Dates show commitment, and a seriousness that a man has about a girl that he potentially likes and is attracted to. I have also learned that dates can be fun, and they do not have to be filled with pressure. Dating is important to me, and now that I have learned about healthier dating habits, I will be more prepared to have a healthier, long-lasting marriage with an eternal partner.

This week in Family Relations, I was also taught how marriage is wonderful, but it also comes with many adjustments and changes that could come as a surprise. Adjustments such as sharing a bed, bathroom and even closet can make couples have to compromise, and living habits of each person are also shown through the first month, and whether those living habits will cause conflict with the couple. Although there will always be knots and bolts that come from marriage and change, the foundation of those two people, is what will make or break their marriage. I know that the couples dating life is a part of their foundation, and I am making a goal in my life to have a more positive outlook on dating, and dating the right guys who have the same dating standards as I do.