| Dating: A Lost Artform
I'm not going to lie, this entry is quite long but I firmly believe that if you give it the time necessary to thoroughly read and register it will be extremely enthralling indeed.
So...after much pondering and many hours spent in solitude, my ceaseless contemplation of what "network" related topic to delve into has finally been brought to the forefront of my mind....fasten your seatbelts ladies, this is going to be one wild ride and I'm not going to lie, some may be slightly offended but I promise to defend my thoughts to my utmost ability and hopefully some of you lovely ladies will agree. Now, Guys, you probably won't be offended but do listen closely and take some notes, you may enjoy this.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, our forefathers, the pioneers of America, created a system known as "Dating." Phenomenal institution really, and I thank them dearly for their great knowledge and infinite wisdom in dealing with this delicate matter. The long since forgotten concept of “dating” seems to evade most of today’s youthful population, which is very sad indeed. It is no longer properly understood and consequently has not been practiced properly in many a year.
Okay, now I’m going to begin my exegesis of the word “dating.” To begin this process I look to my long time friends who created the site www.dictionary.com.
Definitions
date1 (d t) n.
-A particular point or period of time at which something happened or existed, or is expected to happen.
-The time during which something lasts; duration.
-An appointment: a luncheon date with a client; a date with destiny
-An engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest.
-One's companion on such an outing.
v. dat·ed, dat·ing, dates
v. tr.
-To go on dates.
Here begins my exegesis. Now contrary to common belief, more by girls then guys, but some guys do hold to this pretrib view(called by NimTeetz pretrib because once the official dating relationship begins it’s a tribulation period), which states that just because you have gone on a date or even a few dates that you are now “dating.” The problem I have with this view is multifold. See first of all, the majority of definitions of the word date, do not validate the pretrib view. As we can see, a date is merely a specified point of occurrence for an event in most definitions, usually with an individual or individuals. Now, there is one definition that girls, yes, does mention romantic interest, which as I will discuss in the near future, can happen and is a beneficial opportunity if arrived at properly. However, INTEREST is the focus, not dedication to or exclusiveness. There is also mention of the person to which the event/date is with, but that is not the thrust of this discourse so that will not be addressed at this time.
Now that we have looked at the definitions of “dating” lets discuss this delicate matter for a bit. “Dating” as it was originally was people going out with people and having a good time. You could go on one date, or if it went well, go on two or three. Maybe, eventually, the two individuals involved in the dates would become exclusive, and be “dating.” This is a scenario that can and does happen as the result of one or more dates. But, just because a guy and a girl have gone on a date or even a few dates, that may have very well been enjoyable, does not mean that the two are “dating” in the sense of exclusiveness. There is an important delineation that must be made between “dating” in the exclusive and nonexclusive sense. The problem with “dating” nowadays that was not a problem foreseen by our forefathers was the problem that occurs when a guy takes one girl on a date one week and a different girl on a date the next week. Many girls,(guys aren’t necessarily exempt from this problem known as the pretrib view) feel that when you have gone a date or even a few dates that, “Oh my gosh, we must be “dating” in the exclusive sense.” This is a problem because it puts a ton of pressure on people to make or not make a commitment to a person too early and often causes relationships that do not last. It is perfectly normal and healthy for a person to date many different girls in a nonexclusive manner. Now, for the girls who are irritated at this point, let me clarify something since this seems to only benefit the guys. It benefits you as well. First of all, you can date around as well. Also, you don’t have to make a commitment that you may regret based on a few dates because you can go on dates and not be “dating.” This takes away a lot of stress. To further illustrate why “dating” is good and should not be shunned. Too many people jump into an exclusive “dating” relationship and get burned because they don’t really know the person or find out they are not really interested. With “dating” in the classical sense this is much less frequent because people are not pressured to jump into situations they may regret. Besides, “dating” is fun. It is supposed to be fun. I’m not going to lie, this “dating” should indeed be handled with a great deal of finesse. But when done properly, “dating” is healthy and enjoyable for whoever is involved. And hey, if it becomes “dating” in today’s terms, GREAT. If not, GREAT. It was fun. “Dating” is supposed to be fun, let it be! My apologies ladies if I’ve offended you, but I believe that if you do some soul searching as I have done, you will agree with me.
Sincerely yours, NimTeetz. RA. |
