Dating in today’s world involves the process of two individuals (a man and a woman) getting to know each other for various different reasons.  Some of the reasons are genuine while most of them, sadly, are not. The only reason I say that is because dating has turned out to be the opportunity for people to meet up with each other for mutual benefits, when actually the core essence of dating is to genuinely get to know each other, understand each other’s interests, values, and beliefs for a greater purpose.

A certain degree of maturity is a very essential prerequisite to the dating journey. When a boy (or) a girl decides to start dating someone, the first and foremost factor that has to be taken into consideration is to think about the long term potential of the relationship. Because, when a person dates someone just for fun, to kill time, to make someone else jealous, or to prove one’s dating skills, the relationship typically won’t last in the long run.

Being in a relationship impacts both parties. Thus, the dangers involved in a short term relationship that started for wrong reasons can heavily affect both people. Depression, anger, disappointment, emotional hurt, mental instability and resentment are just a few of the land mines that litter the dating field. An insufficiently considered relationship could even lead to an individual completely negating all relationships in their lives due to this particular bad experience. Finally, when an individual decides to settle in their life with someone special that he/she is really in love with, all of their past baggage will potentially be carried into their new relationship. Realistically, it will take time and effort to cleanse the heart and mind for a new relationship.

Overall, dating, as something that is significantly important, must be approached with a certain degree of maturity especially if one wants to avoid complications in the long run and wants the best in terms of a long-lasting relationship of happiness.

I strongly believe that dating is a stepping stone in the direction of marriage. It is a foundation that should be carefully laid to build your way towards marriage. So, when two individuals (male & female) start dating, having marriage as the final destination is always a healthy way of building strong relationship. Let me qualify that statement. When 2 individuals (male & female) date each other, they are in the process of getting to know each other’s values and beliefs, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and building their bonds towards the possibility of living a life together. This means that they have to understand the value of a healthy marriage  which involves commitment, loyalty, love and respect for each other. If both the individuals can understand and practice those values during their dating period, they are bound to succeed with their relationship in the long run.

So, marriage regardless of being between SDAs or a non-SDAs, should be in the minds of the individuals dating with each other. Why? Focusing on marriage and its long term implications  will help the dating couple to start their relationship with an open mind toward honestly and genuinely learning about each other’s values, culture, and beliefs. Then, they can decide for themselves if that relationship is something that would last forever.

God intended marriage for man and woman to be together so it’s all the more important to take time and be more serious about dating someone, especially if their values and beliefs are different. Learning and understanding each other is always a healthy way of dating and it builds the bond of love much more strongly. It’s always good to build the wall of love with truth, honesty and genuine compassion rather than lies and deception for temporary pleasure.