[DeaconBenjamin]

I haven't participated in one of these flame wars before. FWIW, what she's saying makes sense to me.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I bet this chick is a real blast on a date. :)

[TightSqueeze]

I once had a date with a fig on prune street, does that count, or am I just raisin another problem?

[rintense]

Well, as a single gal, I think the problem with dating is the term 'dating' itself. The word 'dating' implies a certain level of physical attachment and expectation- one that I believe society has fostered. There also seems to be those who don't want to date because of the formality of that word- dating. It does imply some sort of relationship.

As for me, I have also given up on dating, simply because of the false expectations surrounding that term. Sure, I go out with guys, but it's usually to golf, bike ride, skate, or something like that. Heck, I've even had guys go shopping with me. Now THAT'S an ideal date! LOL. Overall, I think it comes down to setting and following your own expectations and rules rather than those society expects.

[HairOfTheDog]

I am not sure anyone needs to be as strict as this, but I like the idea of courting. If they would agree, I would agree!

[NYCVirago]

. We avoided the purposelessness of dating by setting boundaries on our time together and made it known that marriage was the overall goal, whether it would be to each other or someone else....No talk of marriage was made until an actual proposal was given, and there was no kissing until the ring was on my finger, (how exciting that night was!!).

So was there talk of marriage or not? This sounds pretty contradictory.

[goodieD]

excellent article! I agree with all of it...but be prepared to be flamed on here by so-called "conservatives".... there's plenty of em.. they are "fiscally" conservative as opposed to morally conservative....

[Commander8]

I used to do the dating thing, but I got tired of the high school games and the psycho witches, and I especially got tired of coming home with bleeding scratch marks on my faces after telling the girls I am Pro-Life.
Now I'm in a wonderful long distance relationship.

[Shackman]

This article reminds me I need to start dating more.

[supercat]

I formally proposed marriage to my Sweetie four months (to the day) after we first met, and married her 'til death did us part about four months after that. We both saw each others' parents quite a lot, and tried to acquaint ourselves with each others' families. As to what we did 'right' or 'wrong', who knows--what I do know is that I found me a wonderful sweetie whom I loved, jonored, and cherished until we were parted by her untimely death.

[Stone Mountain]

Maybe it's fine for her. Ok. Why does this mean that it has to be right for everyone else? I think telling EVERYONE to stop dating is ludicrous. I've been dating my girlfriend for the past 4 years and we're perfectly happy. Why would anyone have a problem with that?