Although we have three daughters, I don't plan on having to deal with the issue of dating for 10 -15 years. That being said, we know that it is very challenging to be and maintain purity in a world that does not put much priority on personal purity. We are not naive enough to believe that our daughters will necessarily do everything exactly as we put down below. Regardless, we are encouraging our girls to leave typical dating alone until the following things are in place:
First - Wait until it is clearly evident that they are ready. That is, wait until it would be appropriate to be married at whatever age you begin dating. In other words, 16 is too young to be dating. (I could write a lot on this point alone). Second, trust the judgement of people that you know love you and have your best interests at heart. Third, get to know potential partners in non-dating group activities so that you can see the real person in action, not someone putting on a false front to impress you. Fourth, don't ever bother to date someone that would not be appropriate to be married to (that is, does not share your values or has totally different goals). Finally, when it is appropriate to begin to date, have strong boundaries in your life - and not just in the phyical realm. However, if you develop self control in that area, it will spill over into every area of your life. This will be a great help in your life.
That's not all, but it is the short version - and I don't think you have time to read the long one.
However, IF they do date (okay, okay
when you date girls), this story below is a great example of purity in the 21st century
CHICAGO — Won't kiss on the first date? How about waiting until marriage?
Chicagoans Melody LaLuz and Claudaniel Fabien shared their first kiss Saturday at the altar.
The two teach abstinence at the city's public schools and practised what they preached to their teenage students.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the couple had never kissed and that they had never been alone together in a house.
A friend of Ms. LaLuz says wedding guests cheered and stomped during the two-minute smooch between the 28-year-old bride and the 30-year-old groom.
Ms. LaLuz and Mr. Fabien say they have no worries about how they will spend their honeymoon in the Bahamas.
I'll bet they don't... :-)