Effects of Dating

 Well, this should be an interesting topic to talk about. Dating has changed over the past years and we can all define what dating is in different ways. There was a scale of building a relationship such as dating, courtship, engagement, and marriage. Now I believe these labels don’t exist. At least in some ways. 

To start off, dating is a way to get to know someone. You build that friendship and you become vulnerable to see what the other person is like in different kind of situations. You build that strong foundation and when you both have similar interests; you may ask them on a date. Back in the day, probably thirty years ago, date was an activity you plan with someone and spend time with them one on one. Like going to the fair, get ice cream, go on a hike, go skiing, etc. Many places that could be ideal for a date. A date wasn’t something that should be taken too seriously as getting physical with one another, but it gave an opportunity to expand your horizons. Then you move on to the next step which is courtship. Courtship was used when the relationship got serious and both were committed to each other. Courtship led to engagement and marriage. When we are married, it helps the couple have an understanding for their future and family. It is nurtured through love and patience. When a couple is committed, it builds a family who presides the household, provide for the family, and would do anything to protect it.

 

Unfortunately, we go back to basics and I believe we have forgotten what dating is like and now we focus into getting physical with someone. For instance, in today’s culture having dates and getting to know others is not as important as it used to be anymore. Now, date is classified as “hanging out”. It doesn’t have meaning and hanging out means having other people around too. Dating has become casual. This can be a disadvantage because when you are only hanging out with that person, things can start to be boring and may clash at not having that spark. Especially when cohabitation plays a role. Studies show that cohabitation is not always successful because for one thing, there is not commitment, the relationship has become casual, and attraction becomes dull. I think it is important to point out that dating is important to have in our lives because we were born to be social creatures. We were created to be with someone and grow old with. The key to have a good relationship is to always communicate, have trust one another, be there for each other, and remember that every moment spent with that person you love matters. 

I can agree that many people may not want to have an intimate relationship because of past relationships where they felt hurt, rejected, or may remember negative moments. They may build walls around them in order to protect themselves from heartache. It is sad to know that there are those who have experienced more of the negative side with their partner. Perhaps that is the reason people now a days don’t want to take dating as a serious thing. Maybe they only want to spend an amount of time with that certain person with no labels because they are uncomfortable with the idea. 

It’s important to meet different kinds of people so that way we can understand who we want to see ourselves with. Finding someone and see their person, how they can contribute to the relationship, and most importantly being there for each other.