Dating n’ Courtship

We’re now engaged! Praise God!

Here are some of my thoughts about getting engaged (Chosenness).

Here are the reasons why we (Ayi and I) can’t describe, label or call our relationship “dating“.

	Dating Overview	Courtship Overview
How old are people when they start?	Varies-usually sometime during high school	When they are ready to get married usually sometime after high school.
How does it start?	Usually two people are romantically attracted to each other, and one asks the other to go out on a date.	Two people have already gotten to know each other in-group settings (church, work, volunteer ministries, etc.) And think the other person might make a good spouse. Romantic interest is usually there but is not the driving force.
How does a couple spend their time together?	Sometimes in a group dates, and sometimes at each other’s homes. Usually most of their time “dating” is spent alone together doing things like going to dinner, going on walks, seeing concerts, or movies, etc.	A couple does their “courting” in group settings, basically by spending time with each other’s families.
Role of parents and family	Lots of variety. Girl’s parents may want to meet the guy before they go out, or they may not. Most parents like to casually get to know  the person their son or daughter is seeing, and may include them in family activities.	Critical to courtship. They oversee, watch and help arrange the advancement of the relationship.
The goal	Varies. It can be simply having fun, growing close, or planning for marriage	Marriage

Please don’t get me wrong I’m not totally against Dating. Dating I believe is NOT totally wrong (But I’ll suggest group dating and refrain from getting isolated). It’s the motive and the end goal that makes courtship better, in my own opinion. There are some overlaps between the two.

At the end of the day, You’ll know whether you’re just playing hearts or own emotions. Real love commits. Love without commitment is not love at all.