[Beth]

Originally Posted by Epaphras

What is the proper age to begin dating?

It's definitely a maturity thing, not age. But personally I wouldn't support someone dating before they're 16.

I know the proper age is different for everyone, but think of it like this: what age should parents allow their children to date, ballpark?

Depends on the kid.

Also, at what age were/are you allowed to date? When you were old enough, did you?

There wasn't a specific age for me. Basically my parents told me boys were evil until my senior year of highschool, and when I left for college, suddenly I was expected to date. Not cool. And no, I didn't start dating right then either.

How many relationships did you have? How long did they last? If you're older (like 20s), do you regret dating?

I had one relationship that came close to dating, but I've never dated. I'm 21, and it's odd to say that still. It's not that I haven't had the opportunity, or been interested (I just haven't had both at the same time). Part of it is that I'm terrible with commitment, but that's only because I haven't had the opportunity to date someone that I felt I could have a dating level commitment too. What can I say? It's just gotta be the right guy.

[Ted Logan]

I don't understand why this is such a hard question. We all know that Mary and Joseph started dating when they were 28.

[ForeverPraise]

My parents said that i wasn't allowed to "date, date" until i was 16.. but i went on my first date when i was 15..and there are only regrets of breaking up.. it lasted for 6 months.. and i haven't dated since.. although he has.. so i guess that's good....

Kate

[joyforjesus215]

Originally Posted by Aaron Adams

I don't understand why this is such a hard question. We all know that Mary and Joseph started dating when they were 28.

Were you kidding or for real? I thought Marry was like 13 when she had Jesus

[Epaphras]

Wow this was quite a successful thread...

Thanks for the responses guys! Very interesting.

In His love,
Sean

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Aaron Adams

I don't understand why this is such a hard question. We all know that Mary and Joseph started dating when they were 28.

Originally Posted by joyforjesus215

Were you kidding or for real? I thought Marry was like 13 when she had Jesus

I thought so too. But let's be careful. still 11 days until Theology opens up so please don't start up a debate.

[Epaphras]

Originally Posted by Chris

I thought so too. But let's be careful. still 11 days until Theology opens up so please don't start up a debate.

I think Aaron's post was sarcastic...

...but, point taken

In His love,
Sean

[joyforjesus215]

Originally Posted by Chris

I thought so too. But let's be careful. still 11 days until Theology opens up so please don't start up a debate.

Oh, I definately wasn't trying to debate! I didn't want to start anything! I'm sorry

[anailev]

Originally Posted by Epaphras

What is the proper age to begin dating? By dating I mean a mature relationship involving sexual boundaries, parental involvement, un-exclusivity (not being alone all the time - group stuff too), semi-serious committment, and responsibility. I'm not talking about three-week flings here. This is the step in-between friendship and "courtship" (seriously considering marriage).

In this dating definition of yours, I would say they have to be above 19.

Originally Posted by Epaphras

Also, at what age were/are you allowed to date? When you were old enough, did you?

16, nope, with that dating definition, friendship is the farest I could go

[Chris]

Originally Posted by joyforjesus215

Oh, I definately wasn't trying to debate! I didn't want to start anything! I'm sorry

no problem. ^_^

[Ted Logan]

Originally Posted by joyforjesus215

Were you kidding or for real? I thought Marry was like 13 when she had Jesus

I was kidding, but I was also trying to make a point.

Incidentally, there's no evidence to indicate what age Mary was when Jesus was born.

[Luke]

I don't necessarily think that there exists a proper age that is the normative time that everyone is ready to begin dating. The proper time to consider dating someone is going to be the result of a number of factors, ranging from your personal maturity and walk with the Lord to logistical considerations (if you began dating now, could you get married reasonably expediently) to actually knowing a girl (or boy, for you girls) who is both compatible with you and interested in you. Therefore, the question itself is probably a bit faulty.

That being said, I selected 17+, because it seems like it's about that time that a lot of people move into a time in their lives when dating is likely to be a productive outlet of energy. This is just a guess, though, and I am stating outright that there exists a great deal of variance.

[Luke]

Originally Posted by Epaphras

I know the proper age is different for everyone, but think of it like this: what age should parents allow their children to date, ballpark?

I think most good parents would make that decision based highly individually on their particular children. No self-aware person on here could give a normative answer even to this.

Originally Posted by Epaphras

Also, at what age were/are you allowed to date?

My parents never set a particular age at which I was suddently allowed to date. That may be because I never showed particular interest in doing so, but they also made no such stipulation for my brother, who did. I think they were (slash are) more concerned with who we date and how we date them rather than at what age it begins.

Originally Posted by Epaphras

When you were old enough, did you?

No. I probably would have, but I never found a girl who (1) I was compatible with, (2) I was interested in, and (3) who liked me. In fact, I never even found anyone who met 2 of those 3. Heh. Basically, I didn't see a lot of purpose in putting energy into sure dead ends.

Originally Posted by Epaphras

How many relationships did you have?

I'm just now basically beginning relationship #1. (I'm 22 years old.)

Originally Posted by Epaphras

How long did they last? If you're older (like 20s), do you regret dating?

N/A

20s is older?

Originally Posted by Epaphras

If you're married, did those relationships help or hurt your marriage? Did anyone marry or is engaged to someone they dated in their teen years?

N/A

[Nate]

Originally Posted by Luke

20s is older?

Of course, you old fogey you.

[exo]

Originally Posted by Nate

Of course, you old fogey you.

I'll be an ancient relic on this board (among others) when I turn the big 3-0. My wife is only 3.5 months away.