I found this online and wanted to get some feedback about this. Do you think any of this is true or only parts of it...
1. Dating can be fun!
It can be a source of enjoyment and recreation. This is an end in itself because couples want to relax and experience a form of entertainment together.
2. Dating is a big part in the socialization process.
In other words, dating establishes social confidence, helps people learn social skills like manners, consideration for others, cooperation, and conversation.
3. Dating helps personality development.
Personal identity is developed through relationships with other people. The key is successful relationships. When a dating experience is successful it helps to build our personality.
4. Dating allows people to try out gender roles.
Men and women need to discover the kinds of roles they find fulfilling in a close relationship. This can only be accomplished in actual situations with the opposite sex.
5. Dating involves learning about intimacy and serves as an opportunity to establish a unique, meaningful relationship with a person of the opposite sex.
God created us to need interpersonal relationships. In Genesis 2:18 it says, Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." As Adam and Eve demonstrate, no matter how many friends we have, in order to fulfill our deep need for love and affection, we need close relationships with others, especially the opposite sex.
6. Dating can provide companionship through interaction and shared activities with the opposite sex.
One of the worst of all human conditions is loneliness. Oftentimes, loneliness causes a person to feel depressed, impatient, bored, self-depreciation, and desperation as they feel panicked and helpless. One of the best counters to loneliness is the establishment of meaningful relationships with others.
7. Dating helps you find the right mate.
A person can use dating as a process of filtering out or narrowing the field of eligible partners down to a specific few and eventually to one person who will be his mate for a lifetime.
8. Dating can help prepare for marriage.
Dating can help couples acquire the needed knowledge and skills for a successful marriage. For example, dating helps develop a better understanding of each other's attitudes and behaviors, how to get along, and can increase your ability to discuss and solve relational problems
The explanation for reason 7 leads me to believe they are talking about pretty casual dating. In that context, I think most of it is pretty good. I don't agree that you should date just so you don't feel lonely though. That's something that needs to be taken up between you and God.
