Here's the deal. I do not think that people younger than 16 should date. Dating prepares for marriage...and people who are dating at an age younger than 16, usually aren't mature enough for it, aren't serious about it, etc. I do think it depends on maturity, because sometimes someone who is 25 isn't mature enough to date, but someone who is 15 could be mature enough to date.
I'm tired of seeing 11-year old's say, "I'm in love!!". No. You're not. You may be in like, but not in love. Love is a strong word, and it has more meaning to it than you may think. To me, love is wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone. (basically why dating prepares for marriage...you obviously should love the one you want to marry) Love is wanting to be there as a shoulder to cry on, to show care...now, you can say that as a friend/family sort of love (excluding the "wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone" part. There's a difference, but I can't quite explain it). Love is also not just a feeling...it is an action.
Love is described in the Bible. More specifically, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
When you are dating, you need to learn to take it seriously...it should not be taken lightly, and it is important that you talk with your significant other about your plans for the future. (such as marriage, kids, financially-related stuff, etc) You can't just "wing it". You can't rush into things. Which is why I don't think people should date an age lower than 16. They will probably change as the years go on, and they aren't usually even mature enough to be thinking about their plans with their significant other for the future. At that age, they don't need to be worrying about dating. If God wills it for them to date, then He will send the right one for them, but they can wait. They can be patient. And at a young age, they most likely aren't even allowed to go certain places alone. (such as malls, parks, etc).
So there ya go.
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I like to refer people to my dating advice in the Book of Opinions. :)
ReplyDeleteBut this is good too. :)
People will change, yes. But being patient is not a trait young people who want to date have cultivated.
Ah, you have dating advice in the book of Opinions? I didn't know that.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Patience is very important in dating and marriage, though.
I agree with the maturity part. God might send some people their future spouse when they are twelve, some when they're forty. Twelve might be rare, but hey, so is forty. SoOoOoOoo, basically what it comes down to is, like you said, everyone should stop searching for a future spouse and wait for God to bring that person to them. End of story.
ReplyDeleteAll in all, good post :)
Lilly