Post by KSSunflower on Jun 27, 2018 10:51:18 GMT -6
I saw this in an LDS Living magazine article that talked about myths in LDS culture. I think it has some useful advice on how to think about things while dating.
“Here’s a secret the prophets and apostles and every couple who has ever dated already knows: when it comes to dating, there is no one, solid line. In fact, thinking of dating as a list of do nots can take the romance out of it and tempt some to see how much they can flirt with that imaginary line they’ve created.
But the myth of the line persists because it’s easier to follow a list of rules than it is to gauge your feelings and those of the person you are dating. But here’s the problem with thinking of dating in terms of lines: it is again missing the point. We are trying to turn sexual purity into a whole book of rules just like the Pharisees and Sadducees did with the Law of Moses.
Dating is not a challenge for us to get through, a test to see how long we can hold out until we are married. Intimacy—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is a delicate balance we continually work on throughout our life. Dating is our chance to build that balance in a new relationship. And when we focus so much on the physical side of things, everything else gets out of whack.
In dating, we should be conscious of what emotions and desires are being aroused within us, try to stay clear of those that arouse strong sexual desires, and try to keep a healthy balance in our relationships. We should also think less of our own immediate gratification and think more of the person we are with and how our actions might be affecting them. In short, it all comes down to respect: respect for yourself, respect for the person you are dating, and respect for the relationship the two of you are building. Instead of looking for "the line," focus on being the best you can be and helping your significant other reach their potential as well.”
Any thoughts on this?
“Here’s a secret the prophets and apostles and every couple who has ever dated already knows: when it comes to dating, there is no one, solid line. In fact, thinking of dating as a list of do nots can take the romance out of it and tempt some to see how much they can flirt with that imaginary line they’ve created.
But the myth of the line persists because it’s easier to follow a list of rules than it is to gauge your feelings and those of the person you are dating. But here’s the problem with thinking of dating in terms of lines: it is again missing the point. We are trying to turn sexual purity into a whole book of rules just like the Pharisees and Sadducees did with the Law of Moses.
Dating is not a challenge for us to get through, a test to see how long we can hold out until we are married. Intimacy—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is a delicate balance we continually work on throughout our life. Dating is our chance to build that balance in a new relationship. And when we focus so much on the physical side of things, everything else gets out of whack.
In dating, we should be conscious of what emotions and desires are being aroused within us, try to stay clear of those that arouse strong sexual desires, and try to keep a healthy balance in our relationships. We should also think less of our own immediate gratification and think more of the person we are with and how our actions might be affecting them. In short, it all comes down to respect: respect for yourself, respect for the person you are dating, and respect for the relationship the two of you are building. Instead of looking for "the line," focus on being the best you can be and helping your significant other reach their potential as well.”
Any thoughts on this?
