Continuing on from my explanatory discussion on dating, I wanted to address the issue of whether or not dating can be good, specifically in the context of teenage relationships. 


1} For my thoughts on defining the term “dating,” check out Monday’s post. 


2} Now, depending on your definition, I may or may not have dated in high school. But I did go on dates (I just honestly didn’t consider them dates until recently…they were “just to a dance” after all. :D) The large majority of people I know (my husband included) dated in high school–seriously or casually. Which tells me I should address the issue of I’ve chosen to date during my teenage years. What now? Can I still make God-honoring decisions? 

a) Can you maintain a guard around your heart? Will your relationship allow you the space you need to protect your intimate, delicate emotions?

 b) Will true friendship be the foundation of your relationship? I didn’t want to lose friendships by way of a bad dating relationships, but I’ve seen instances where it is possible to avoid that brokenness. 

But before you start dating a guy, ask yourself, “Would I want to be best friends with this boy? Or am I just feeling totally attracted to him and ignoring the qualities I wouldn’t want in a friend?” It’s true that “love is blind”–in the scope of infatuated love, that is. You can ignore all you want, but in the end if you’re not interested in being best friends with that guy, then move on.  


Best friends should want to share all of their hopes and dreams, even failures and shortcomings with each other. They should want to make each other better. They should be willing to disagree–even argue–about the issues that matter all in an effort to see eye-to-eye. 

c) Ask yourself–are you entering this relationship because you can honestly see this person being the type of man you would want to marry?