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DATING

Dating, hooking up, going out, courting… there are a lot of different terms and methods that are used when two people are romantically interested in each other (ever hear your parents talk about “going steady”?).  And “hooking up” with a person is certainly different than “courting” him or her.    We won’t get into all of that here, but the bottom line is that you deserve respect and you are worth waiting for! 

Saving sex for marriage doesn’t just happen, though.  It takes commitment, self-control, support from friends and family and clearly defined boundaries that are communicated in all potential “dating” relationships.  You need to think about what it will take for you to not go anywhere near sexual activity – situations you should avoid (like being alone with the person on the couch in the basement with the lights dimmed) and physical boundaries you should stick to (like not going past kissing, and being selective about who and how much you kiss).  This is a personal decision that we can’t make for you, but learning about The Steps of Physical Intimacy will help.

And don’t rush into a relationship just because everyone else is.  It’s okay to NOT have a boyfriend or girlfriend.  Trust me, your life will be a lot easier without all the drama of two weeks with this person, then break up through a text message, one month with the next person and break up over MySpace, maybe be with someone else for a few weeks only to hear from a friend that the person was making out with so-and-so at last weekend’s party…  You get the picture.  Wait until you find someone who is truly worth your time and effort before putting your heart into it.  They should make your life better, not worse!

For more great dating advice, visit national abstinence speaker, Jason Everett’s website, www.pureloveclub.net.

And be sure to take the “love test,” designed by Dr. Laura