Dating normally precedes marriage, at least in Western culture. Some Christians are anti-dating, but I believe that dating can serve many positive purposes. Dating helps you learn to relate to members of the opposite sex as persons, not as objects. Dating helps you develop and improve your own personality.
I remember one young lady who said to her date, “I don’t want to hurt you, but have you ever noticed that you do all the talking when we’re together? You seldom ask me anything. I’ve noticed you also do that with other people.” His response? “Thanks, I never realized that.” He now has the opportunity to modify his tendency to dominate the conversation and become a better listener.
*Adapted from The World’s Easiest Guide to Family Relationships by Dr. Gary Chapman with Randy Southern
