Dating. No Friendship Speeches!

Before I go onto my blogging, I would like to point out that the posts that only had pictures on it and very few words were only because I didn't have anything to write about. Or in other words, at a loss of words on what to write. No ideas whatsoever. Just for laughs, that is all. Now onto to today's blog:

So today, I overheard my sister's boyfriend say something about celebrating a two month anniversary with their relationship or something. In response to that, I just bursted out laughing. My sister then countered by stating that two months feels like 5 years for high school students. I personally think that's just a load of bull crap...

This is a difficult life subject to talk about.

Now I'm saying that there is nothing wrong with being in a relationship with a guy or a girl. There's nothing wrong with being a boyfriend or a girlfriend. However, I do hate some aspects of a "relationship" between a guy and a girl. Allow me to name a few:

1.) The majority of society thinks dating is an "exclusive" thing. In other words, you only date that one person. That's how it is, especially in British culture.

2.) As a result, that "exclusiveness" tears up friendship cultivated with other people.

3.) People tend to act differently when they're in a relationship.

4.) There are times "when things are taken too far", if you know what I mean...

5.) Exclusive relationships takes away from others in my opinion.

Now while I don't claim to be a dating expert, take this into thought from a guy in his last teenage year, about to become a missionary on behalf of the LDS Church. I have seen a few things that disturbed me. The thing about dating is that it's simple when you're at home, in high school, in the comfort zone of students you know. But when you're on your own, in college, fending for yourself, it gets a little harder. Getting a phone number requires just as much effort as a regular date. Let me paint the following scenario for you:

Imagine yourself at an annual neighborhood block party. There's this hot guy or girl (depending on what gender you are of course) going around with a box of pizza and he/she says to you "Hey! You want some pizza?" And you say, "No thanks." and make the mistake of thinking that you were smooth. You say "But I'll take your number." and all of a sudden, you've never been more embarrassed to see someone’s left ring finger.

Don't take this the wrong way. Dating is fun. It doesn't have to be expensive. An awesome activity is a good clean game called 'Apples to Apples'. It's a really great way to spend time together, especially in a group date. If you are unaware of what 'Apples to Apples' is, I don't know what to say about that. You need to get out more. However, like all games, you need to see if you're good at it. Take it from myself, a gamer. The game itself seemed to have left some bad impressions on some people I know... I’m not sure if this is part of the game or not, but at the end, you’re supposed to use the cards to describe yourself. Imagine someone saying, "I’m smart, funny, and attractive." while you have to say, "I’m fat, stupid, lazy, smelly, and boring." every time you play the game...

Another inexpensive activity is the movie theaters. It's a classic in the dating world. Personally, I just don't go to the movies these days. But I'll go if it's the designated date activity. However, it's hard to catch a decent, original movie these days. Remember one of my earlier posts about the Hollywood film industry??? Almost every movie is a book, a sequel, or a remake. Don't take this the wrong way; some of them are okay. But aren't you dreading the impending day when we have the 'I Love Lucy' remake starring Drew Barrymore?????

Again, while I don’t claim to be an expert, for the guys, there are three words you can say in any conversation if you want to guarantee that the girl has a bad memory of the date: “World of Warcraft”. And for all the ladies reading this, there are two words you can say in any conversation if you want to guarantee that the guy has a bad memory of the date: “Edward Cullen”.

(Cue dramatic music)

Now here's the things I see about dating I believe in:

I've been growing up in the LDS Church. My standards are based off of the guidelines and counsels of our reading materials, teachers, and leaders.

1.) Dating is a way to help an individual develop lasting friendships. Good friendships CAN and SHOULD be developed at every age. Remember one of my more recent posts about friendship???

2.) We should date only those who have similar high standards and in whose company you can maintain your standards.

3.) As LDS youth, we don't start dating until we're at least 16 years of age.

4.) As teenagers, you don't have to date. It's entirely up to you. You may not believe this, but many young people don't date during their teenage years. Reasons include lack of interest, lack of opportunities, or simply the desire to delay forming more serious relationships.

5.) We should avoid going on frequent dates with the same person. We should date different people so that we can get know many different individuals.

So what's the point of this? Well, besides giving me a blog topic to talk about, it gives me an opportunity to pass on what wisdom I have to you, the reader. It also puts forth the opinions of myself as well as other people who have similar opinions. Remember:

"Good writers write all the time."

If you wanna put forth your opinions or questions, I'm all ears in the comments section. And remember, you're entitled to your own opinions. I am hereby in no way forcing my opinions on you. Thanks for reading!