Dating

I feel like today's form of dating has become extinct. Dating in this time is more like "hanging out." Dating is very important and vital in finding your future spouse. It is a way to get to know each other on a different level and connect.  I love how Elder Oaks states in his talk, "Dating versus Hanging Out,"

"Simple and more frequent dates allow both men and women to “shop around” in a way that allows extensive evaluation of the prospects. The old-fashioned date was a wonderful way to get acquainted with a member of the opposite sex. It encouraged conversation. It allowed you to see how you treat others and how you are treated in a one-on-one situation. It gave opportunities to learn how to initiate and sustain a mature relationship. None of that happens in hanging out."

We are to choose to date only those who have high moral standards and whose company you where you don't have to compromise your standards. We need to remember that a both man and woman on a date are BOTH responsible in respecting and honoring each other. We are also counseled to not date until we are at least 16 years of age.

Why?

Dating before that can lead to immorality and limit those who you date in the future. I think this is very wise advice from our church. It saves us from so much heartache. Think about this, why would you want to date before 16 anyways? Do you want your mom or dad driving you two around? I sure wouldn't.

Another reason Elder Oaks thinks the dating population and culture is decreasing is because:

For many years the Church has counseled young people not to date before age 16. Perhaps some young adults, especially men, have carried that wise counsel to excess and determined not to date before 26 or maybe even 36.

I also loved when the Young Men General Presidency said "To the Young Men on Dating:"

It may seem a long way off now, but marriage is one of the most important decisions of your life. Your teenage years are not the time to make that decision, but proper dating will help you prepare to make that decision when it is appropriate. Dating will give you opportunities to develop social skills that will help you become confident and attractive to the young women you date. You’ll come to understand and be attracted to those with the qualities and characteristics that will be important to you in an eternal companion. Proper dating will also help you be worthy and prepared to marry in the temple for time and all eternity the right person at the right time.

In dating I have learned so much of how I want in a future spouse. In dating as well, I have always tried to honor his priesthood, and I think that is very important. It is not worth it to date someone whether its singly or with someone who does not have high moral standards and accidentally jeopardize being able to go to the Temple one day. One mistake like that to me, is NOT worth it! 

I turned 16 when I was living in the Marshall Islands. While living there, there was few members and no members my age to date. It was kind of depressing, but I made the decision that I was not going to single date and that I was not going to go out with boys that did not have the same high standards I did because I did not want to end up in trouble or get into anything serious because that was what the dating life was there.

I feel as if here, attending BYU-Idaho it is becoming very common to just "hangout." I think its very sad.  I don't know what it is, but dates are becoming more rare and I have definitely witnessed it. I hope that we can try to turn that around. Girls, dont be afraid to ask a boy that your interested out! I know my sister did that and they ended up getting married!

If you want to learn more about dating and read more articles and talks go to: https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dating?lang=eng