Dating and Courtship

• Dating before marriage is referred to as courtship, because the relationship has passed the stage of just getting to know each other, but it tailoring towards marriage
• Dating. It is a social activity which involves two or more people generally assessing each other’s suitability for a potential relationship. Dating can be also enjoyed as part of an already active relationship. The word dating actually comes from the arrangement of a time and date of meeting. Dating someone, is however, a lot more specific and means romantic time spend together with another person. It means that you are seeing someone with a specific purpose, have time for yourselves only and with the hope of culminating it into more defined relationship
• Types of Dating 1. Standard Date – involves two people 2. Double Date – two couples go on a date at the same time and place. 3. Group Date – where any number of couples can enjoy a date.
• Importance of Dating • It forms affection and respect. • It strengthens the relationship. • It gives quality time to each other. • It leads one to observe the other person’s character. • It provides an opportunity for one to know his/her strengths and weaknesses in dealing with the opposite sex.
• However, dating is not always safe. There are risks connected with dating that can affect any person, especially young and innocent individuals. Risks may include date rape, use of illegal drugs, early and unwanted pregnancy. There are also some cases where individuals fall prey to thieves, robbers, kidnappers, or other types of criminals.
• Courtship. During courtship, a couple gets to know each other and decides if there will be an engagement. This is also the moment to test the compatibility between the two persons and an opportunity to know the background of each other, including the family where each one belongs.
• Why courtship is important? 1. Courting gives time to understand one another. 2. It reveals one’s interests, likes and dislikes, limitations, and other aspirations in life. 3. It allows a couple to decide whether they want to be committed. 4. It allows couples to know if they are ready to be committed. 5. It develops security. 6. It develops understanding and acceptance.
• Engagement. A period of agreement entered between two people in love for them to be able to know each other and their families well enough to be sure that they are ready and are suited for life-long companionship. It provides opportunity to develop interpersonal skills useful before and even within marriage.
• What is marriage? Marriage is a cherished institution under which man and woman believe in one faith and children are conceived, raised, and nourished to become useful and productive citizens of the country and the world. It is essential to the continuity of the human race.Filipinos view marriage as a sacrament and a lifelong commitment. Husband and wife work for a successful and harmonious relationship at home and among family members. Trust, respect, kindness, and love are essential factors to attain this goal.
• Mental/Emotional Maturity is a factor necessary to consider in choosing a lifetime partner for successful married life.
• A person with Mental/Emotional Maturity can make good decisions.
• A person with Mental/Emotional Maturity is responsible in handling relationships.
• Fidelity is a factor necessary to consider in choosing a lifetime partner for successful married life.
• A person with fidelity can make the relationship lasting.
• A person with fidelity is sincere and true to his/her promises.
• A person with fidelity considers relationships sacred.
• Commitment is a factor necessary to consider in choosing a lifetime partner for successful married life.
• A person with commitment can make a peaceful and lasting relationship.
• A person with commitment is dedicated to fulfilling his/her responsibilities.
• Love is a factor necessary to consider in choosing a lifetime partner for successful married life.
• Love strengthens the relationship.
• A person with love understands that they are a partner.
• Love is enduring.
• Economic Readiness is a factor necessary to consider in choosing a lifetime partner for successful married life.
• An economically ready person aims for a better future of the family.
• An economically ready person is financially stable.
• An economically ready person is a good provider for the needs of the family.
• 6. Physical Maturity a. Proud of having a good partner b. Have a healthy body 7. Character a. Responsible and honest b. Hard-working and industrious c. Respectful and compassionate d. God-fearing