A couple examples of BAD dates:
-One time a guy and his friend asked my roommate and I to go rock climbing. We agreed of course. When we got there we weren't exactly sure if it was a date or not, so we weren't sure if we were paying for ourselves or not. The boys ended up paying for us and we had fun. But then after, we went to get ice cream and the boys completely switched who they paid for and who they decided to talk to so it was SUPER awkward and I was so confused the whole time!
-Another time I was asked to a school dance with a guy. Probably my fault it didn't turn out so great because I wasn't too interested in him. It was an ugly sweater dance but he didn't have a sweater, so he had me draw pictures with sharpies on a plain white t-shirt for him to wear. Then he had me go meet his mom, and we went to the dance later that night. At the dance, he ended up ditching me and hanging out with a group of girls (looking back, I probably didn't do my best either to keep him with me). It was just another award date that definitely wouldn't go on my list of favorites.
-Last example... GUYS! IF YOU'RE GOING TO ASK A GIRL ON A DATE, ACTUALLY SHOW UP!!! I've had a couple times where a guy would ask me out or make plans and just not show up. Did they forget? Did they change their minds? Were they not completely serious about it and it was just an idea? All I know is that all of these guys pretended like nothing happened after the fact of not showing up. Do you know how frustrating that is to a girl? If you don't want to go on a date with her, DON'T ASK HER! THE END.
But, I'm not here to complain and just tell you about bad dates I've been on. I've actually been on some pretty amazing one's that I have really enjoyed. Especially this summer... I went on so many fun dates!
Examples:
-I love hotdogs. Everyone who knows me knows that. There was a guy that knew of a specific hotdog place that I liked. He looked it up and for the date we made those hotdogs! Then he taught me how to drive donuts because he knew I wanted to try that really bad. It was just good because it showed that he listens.
-Another one that I loved was when I was picked up to go to lunch. He picked me up and then we drove pretty far out of town to go to a super cute small town that I have never been to before. I loved the atmosphere of the town and just the spontaneousness of getting out of my town and eating somewhere different for lunch. He knew that I love pie so we went to this cute family owned place and got some yummy lunch and delicious pie after. I don't know why it was so exciting, but it's the small things that go a long way with me.
-One of my favorites was this summer. We had been wanting to go on a picnic, so we did it! The plan was to go get some yummy pizza, but the place was closed so we got sandwiches instead (I loved it because he was able to just go with the flow). Then we went to the most beautiful spot to eat and just sat and talked. He then had a surprise for me and took me to this spot to send up floating lanterns. I was amazed because he knew it was something I had on my bucket list, so he made sure it happened. We then talked some more and just enjoyed our evening together. It was so laid back, but so much fun!!
I've realized that my idea of a DREAM date has changed. It used to be a specific thing that was planned that I thought would be so fun. Now, I feel like a dream date for me is one where I feel cared for. My favorite dates have been ones where I can tell that they guy has been listening/ paying attention to things that I say and enjoy. It doesn't even have to be big, elaborate, and expensive. Sometimes simple is just perfect, as long as there was thought behind it.
But what is it that makes a great date? What determines if it'll be in the "good date" category or the "bad date"?
The 3 P's of Dating: (This can go for guys or girls, whoever is asking on the date!)
Planned: A plan is so important. I can't tell you how lame it is when you get asked on a date and then they ask you what you want to do! Let you're date know what's going on! OR if it's a surprise, give them a heads up on what they should wear or how they can best be prepared for the date. Take the lead and be in control with what happens on your date.
Paid for: Nothing is more confusing and awkward than not knowing if your date is paying for you or not. I'm a firm believer that if you ask someone on a date, you should pay. But not even that. It doesn't even have to be a date that costs money or is expensive. If not, just make sure that the resources are in order and are prepared and ready for the date.
Paired off: Make sure your date knows that they're supposed to be with YOU. Don't let them question who their date is. Also, when you're on a date, it is your responsibility to take care of your date that night. You are responsible for their experience. No pressure right??
Why do we date? Why not just "hand out" like most people do these days? That's fun too...
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said:
"If you wish to marry well, inquire well. Associations through "hanging out" or exchanging information on the Internet are not a sufficient basis for marriage. There should be dating, followed by careful and thoughtful and thorough courtship. There should be ample opportunities to experience the prospective spouse's behavior in a variety of circumstances."
I'm not saying that if you date a guy you're going to end up marrying him. Not at all! But dating is the only way that you can truly find out if you and someone are compatible and if they're right for marriage. Just "hanging out" won't quite do it.
The divine role of a husband/father is explained in 3 P's as well:
Provide, Preside, and Protect. These go hand in hand with the 3 P's of dating! Coincidence?
Planned---> Preside
Paid for---> Provide
Paired off---> Protect
How cool is that?! More proof that dating is prep for marriage! Let us not be so caught up in all the fun that we forget about what it is that we are really looking for in a companion! Date with potential!
No comments:
Post a Comment