When Does Dating End?
When does the dating end and the relationship begin? Are you still dating someone with whom you are sexually active? Does physical intimacy herald the change of status? Maybe we should begin with what is dating? Dating is a time to get to know someone by developing a friendship. In my opinion, dating is an opportunity to learn about not only the other person, but yourself as well.
It is also a time to gain some insight into how both individuals may function in a relationship. There should be a level of emotional, intellectual and spiritual intimacy achieved. However, This all takes time, more time than this sound bite, microwave society has been socialized to bear. The race is on, but if you look around at all the unfulfilled relationships that abound, to where are we racing? Dating should not be about sex, but making a connection with another human being. Only when a connection is made does the next phase--a relationship-- make sense. In too many cases, physical intimacy is mistaken as the connection. It's like calling a warm, wet cloth an apple, it feels good but it sure won't nourish you. The emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects, that are often lacking, are what give a relationship viability and meaning.
So, when does dating end and a relationship begin? It depends, but it depends upon lot more most take the time to discover. What's your opinion????????????
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I agree with the definition of dating as a friendship with someone and a time to learn about oneself as well. I think that as long as you are explaining what your definition is for dating to your partner everyone is on the same page. But what happens if feelings/interest began to grow in one person and not the other? Should you call off the friendship or continue? It has to either end or continue at a certain point but you don't want to loose friendship if you decide not to be in a relationship. One should not choose to lead the other on, knowing how both people feel. In a situation as this I wouldn't want to loose a good friend due to feelings that are not mutual between the two. Will this ruin the friendship/relationship?
Friendship should transcend any relationship. Being true to who you are should be the cornerstone of any relationship, whether a friendship or a romantic union. In a true friendship, an individuals right to choose, even if that choice does not include the other individual, should not only be respected but encouraged. Why would you want to hold on to someone when they do not want to? This is destructive self interest, not self affirming for either party.