My Perspectives on Dating in Regards to Marriage

In Preparation for the Temple 

My perspectives on Dating in Regards to Marriage

WOW!!!  What a week!  There were great trials, but even greater blessings!  I feel closer to my Heavenly Father, because of everything that happened this week.  Let me explain...

This week, we began to explore the importance of dating in preparation for an eternal marriage.  Dating's purpose (in my life) is to fulfill the 3 primary roles of a father: preside, provide, and protect.  The woman's role in a date is to prepare her to fulfill her role as a mother, which is to nurture her family (spouse) in love.

What do I look for, when I go on a date?  

1. Her commitment to her Heavenly Father.  Gospel conversation will come easily when I am around her.  I will feel comfortable, knowing that I can count on her to stand for the right, and to give praise to Heavenly Father in everything.

2.  Do I feel truly happy when I am in her presence?  I begin to feel truly happy, when I feel that I am truly appreciated.  Is she interested in me?  In my family?  Does she compliment me if I try to do something well?  When I think of someone that I wish to spend the rest of my life with, I think to myself this, "When I am truly down and depressed, will she be patient with me?  Will she be encouraging and supportive?"  Marriage is a team effort, and cannot be maintained by one alone, therefore, I will look for someone who will complement me, not contrast me.

3.  Will she raise my children in righteousness?  I look to my mother for an example... My mother is willing to sacrifice all she had for us as children.  She truly cared about my well-being.  She cries with me, and she laughs with me.  I hope to find someone as committed as her!!!

I had the incredible experience to see my room roommate marry in the temple today.  It was something so pure, so undefiled, and so beautiful!  I wish all people could've seen it!!!  I believe that a Christ-centered marriage is essential to our eternal happiness.  I want to grow old and toothless with my wife, while we laugh at the simple things.  I want to teach my kids how to make a snow fort!  I will do my very best to establish an eternal family, and I know that each small step will lead me to it!