Dating Infatuation and Love Why Do We Date

Dating, Infatuation and Love

Why Do We Date? • A natural part of growing up • Helps in meeting different kinds of people. • Introduces you to new social settings. • Gives you companionship

When Should I Date? • When you feel socially ready. • When your parents give permission. • The younger you begin dating, the more likely you are to move to early pairing and single dating.

When Should I Date? • When you are ready, not when your friends are ready. • Girls are generally ready to date before boys are, and are more likely to date older boys.

Who Should I Date? • • Someone you are attracted to. Someone close to your own age. Someone your parents approve of. Someone with similar values and standards.

Dating Rights Be yourself An enjoyable safe date Have your values respected Care for and protect your body Establish and protect your reputation • Be free from guilt and fear • Say no • • •

Love Stories • Read the love stories. • Love at any age can feel very real and is a strong emotion that is not easily lost. • Even though our lives go on in many other directions, there is always a sentimental feeling for the first love in our life.

Love Characteristics • • • Slowly built Security and trust Strong friendship Long-lasting Love the entire person Want the other person to grow

Love Characteristics • Willing to compromise • Ability and desire to wait for physical intimacy • Giving/focused on “you” • Dual commitment • Selfless

Infatuation Characteristics • • • Starts and burns out quickly Material love Jealousy Based on physical attraction Stubbornness leading to many arguments

Infatuation Characteristics • Insecurity and doubt about relationship • Rush into physical intimacy before ready • Taking/focused on “me” • Self-centered

Am I in Love? • Take the survey to see if you are truly in love or not. • Add up your score: – 50 -60 = On your way to true love – 39 -49 = Your relationship needs improving – 38 and below = Infatuation!

Summary • Is it love or infatuation? You be the judge. • Date at the right time for you. • Know your dating rights and do not compromise!