“God, now I am ready.” how many of us have started talking/praying to God in the exact same way? Guilty as charged raises hand. Yes! And I really meant it each time. I realized eventually, that nothing had actually prepared me to date! Shocking right? Like many, there are hundreds of thousands of you wanting to quickly understand “how dating works?”
Use the table below to quickly jump between sections within this article.
What Are The Five Stages of Dating?
Stage one — Friendship:
A lot of singles get this wrong. Dating culture has shaped us with emphasis on the building of romantic relationships first. Without previously knowing one another. You might be shouting,“But that’s what dating is for!” Folks! The truth is, you don’t know them! And they don’t know you.
So, relax! The value in stage one is friendship. A strong marriage stands on the shoulders of a strong friendship. By truly learning to know one another, the bonus is, even if you aren’t meant for each other, you gain a great friend or leave them better than you found them.
Stage Two — Dating:
Congrats on making it this far! Whether it’s your first, second, or third date, it’s worth celebrating. There’s no one-size-fits-all in dating, but remember to have fun, laugh, talk, be active, and enjoy good food.
We suggest following the “three-date rule.” What is that? Well, 83.6% of second dates don’t go well, which is why we recommend giving it three dates.
The first two can be awkward, with either party feeling nervous or unsure. So, pause, take a deep breath, and be confident in who you are. A third date is key as it allows both parties to be more relaxed and familiar with each other. (Of course, prioritize your safety above all.)
Stage Three — Exclusive Dating:
After three dates with good communication, both of you are spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy or working on it. Romance is likely blossoming.
This stage involves prayerfully committing to date exclusively, having prayed about taking the next step and envisioning life in an intimate relationship.
If you reach this stage, it’s advised to stop using dating apps and refrain from dating others. Exclusive dating with more than one person means you’re still in stage two.
Stage Four — Considering Engagement:
This stage often focuses on prayerfully consideration about engagement and ultimately marriage.
You should be listening and talking to God and one another, to effectively prepare to walk into marriage together. Getting therapy, mentorship, and prayer support as you transition together into a new stage of life together.
Stage Five — Engagement:
Congratulations on your engagement! This new phase is a shift from “me” to “we,” focusing on serving each other and God. Remember, marriage is a journey with both challenging and joyful days.
Stay connected to a supportive community, maintain accountability, and trust in God while practising humility. This is just the beginning!
Remember, you don’t need to be afraid of getting to know someone. Relax, enjoy the moment, and look for reasons to have fun. Express your truest self, and allow the other person to do the same. There’s no perfect formula, but giving yourself more time with a good match can help you see their true character and what makes them tick.
No man is an island, so don’t navigate dating alone. Have someone you trust sit with you to realistically and prayerfully reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, helping you stay grounded—and then trust the rest to the Lord. He’s got you!
PLEASE NOTE: That all advice given is not guaranteed structure, but a suggested guide to help you make sense of your season of singleness, while actively searching for a life partner.
If you found reading this helpful, be sure to leave a like ⭐ and comment. Follow us on Instagram, join our Facebook Group community, and consider tuning into our Weekly Podcast. Or attend our Singles Retreats in Scotland. You don’t have to walk through your season of singleness alone, let’s flow in God’s love together.
[…] chemicals are also felt in the Five Stages of Dating — Which share about in this article and also in Salt Table Talks live every Friday at 8PM UK […]