Bad dating??

Because of a recommendation to read the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris, I read it...well skimmed it. There were many things I disagreed with because I think dating can be done effectively. But these were some points that I did agree with and wish to share with you.

Seven highly defective dating habits
1. Dating tends to skip the firendship stage on a relationship
2. Dating often mistakes a physical relationship for love
3. Dating often isolates a couple from other vital relationships
4. Dating can distract young adults from their primary responsibility of preparing for the future
5. Dating can cause discontentment with God's gift of singleness
6. Dating can create an artificial environment for evaluating another person's character
7. Dating often becomes an end in itself (ie. a person says "marriage? we're only dating!)

Five important attitudes help break us away from bad dating habits
1. Every relationship is an opportunity to model Christ's love
2. My unmarried years are a gift from God
3. I don't need to pursue a romantic relationship before I'm ready for marriage
4. I cannot "own" someone outside of marriage
5. I will avoid situations that could compromise the purity of my body or mind

Purity in Action
1. Respect the deep significance of physical intimacy
2. Set your standards too hgih
3. Make the purity of others a priority

Guy's responsibility: Defend the honor and righteousness of their sister's. Stop acting like hunters trying to catch girls and begin seeing ourselves as warriors standing guard over them.

Girl's responsibility: Keep our brothers from being led astray by our charms. Remember...guy's struggle with their eyes!!

Four important steps involved in maintaining healthy friendships with the opposite sex
1. Understand the difference between friendship and intimacy
2. Be inclusive, not exclusive
3. Make a priority of same-sex relationships
4. Seek opportunities to serve, not to be entertained

Blessings in Christ,