"Dating is a period of friendship preceding engagement and marriage that becomes the foundation for marriage if it so ends in marriage." - Pious Serwonu
Myles Munroe said, "True friendship is the strongest relationship of all and is the fundamental ingredient of every truly successful marriage. Building this friendship is the greatest value and, indeed, the primary purpose of dating."
So we all know what dating is. It is simply a more purposeful friendship. And the purpose is marriage, if possible. Between stranger to spouse, there's the journey of dating.
5 STAGES OF DATING
This journey has been classified into 5 stages by some scholars.
1. Attraction
Attraction is the initial stage where interests spike.
2. Reality
Reality comes sooner or later and flaws begin to show.
3. Commitment
Commitment is then tested and when you commit, it's now time to build a true friendship.
4. Intimacy
Intimacy is the stage where both of you get to know each other more and connect more deeply.
5. Engagement
From the stage of intimacy, you may now be engaged to marry each other.
But the growing and knowing always continues thereafter.
These 5 steps are from the Ignite Dating Group
But basically all relationships go through similar steps.
Other classifications are;
1. The Forming: initial stages
2. The Storming: reality hits
3. The Norming: both find their balance
4. The Performing: we now launch into our future and what we want
These stages will be experienced by all teams, including a dating team of two.
I believe this has been helpful. Stay connected for upcoming articles. Leave comment or questions in the comment box. Let me hear from you.
Kind regards,
MR. PIOUS SERWONU,
TUTOR, THE SCHOOL OF FRIENDSHIP.