NASAdude

Or at least I used to. In the past, when screening people as dating prospects, anything that ruled out a person for marriage would rule them out for dating.

Likewise, while dating someone, as soon as anything is found that would exclude someone as a marriage partner, what point is there in continuing dating? From a logical standpoint, it seems reasonable to break up once marriage isn't expected.

Over time I've learned a lot about myself and others (ie: women) through experiences obtained while dating. From this, I've changed my perspective on dating. It's not entirely a selection process for marriage. To me it's also an exploration in life and all that it entails. It aids me in expanding my perspective from one that is somewhat egocentric to one that does a better job at taking others' feelings, motivations, and expectations into account. It teaches that each person is different, that different things are required to make people happy, and it takes time to learn what they are.

With a more limited definition and usage of dating, doesn't that risk people getting married without being ready, without a good sense of themselves in a relationship, or without an understanding of the other sex?

Finally, I'd like to comment that I'm not arguing that one should have lax ideals in selecting someone to date. I don't want to say too much, but for me, I would never marry someone who smokes, so I refuse to date a smoker. Yet within the confines of some fixed standards, I think one should refrain from being closed-minded; look into the heart of everyone you meet and see what you discover. It's really quite amazing!

(But if everyone is potentially a dating candidate, what does that do to the rules for flirting? Now I'm *really* confused.)