Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #1 — Dating Pros And Cons

Picture: Counsel #1 — Dating Pros and Cons CR 56.1

Many young people choose to forego dating exclusively in high school in favor of social activities in groups of friends. They wait until college for an exclusive boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.^[53] Dating can be absorbing and traumatic, especially in high school! And Christian young people who choose not to be sexually active until marriage may find that resolution easier to maintain if they postpone exclusive dating until they’re older.^[54] CR 56.2

However, when you do decide to date, you’ll benefit in other ways. One benefit of having a boyfriend or girlfriend is having someone to talk to, especially in difficult or sad times. Dating can help you develop and enhance your social skills, learn how to communicate in caring ways, and determine what kind of person you would eventually like to marry. CR 56.3

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 NKJV CR 56.4

“Things will go wrong with every one; sadness and discouragement press every soul; then a personal presence, a friend who will comfort and impart strength, will turn back the darts of the enemy that are aimed to destroy.” Ellen White in The SDA Bible Commentary 3:1163 CR 56.5

Reflect: If you are a young person considering exclusive dating, pray about it. Make a list of pros and cons. Be honest with yourself and listen to what God is telling you. CR 56.6