Dating seems like a natural step and mandatory step in life that everyone does, however, there are some people who are 'anti-daters'. Seems crazy, but these people believe that dating contributes to the divorce rate. However, I believe dating is essential in discovering new things about yourself and your partner and making sure that you are compatible with that person. It is about experiencing new things and defining who you really are around all people. Through dating, I believe it is helping the divorce rate since people see their partner in all seasons, circumstances, and true personalities. They see that person for who they really are and can decide whether they are fit for them or not. If there is no dating involved then I feel it would be very hard to then jump right into marrying that person.
The fact that many people associate sex with dating may be the reason why there are 'anti-daters'. However, dating does not mean sex. It means having a deeper connection and kindling that connection with your partner and having that person as more than just a friend. There are surely other ways to express love other than sex. I think this notion is an issue for many teens today who think that dating means sex because of the way that the media portrays it as if it is not big deal. They may feel pressured to do this and totally regret it but think it is normal. This goes with 'hooking up' as well. I feel that guys focus more on 'hooking up' with girls than really getting to know them and respecting them for who they are. It is about 'getting some' for them whereas, girls want more of a relationship and wait for that guy to talk to them again and then hopefully date. Dating is clearly essential in life and finding your right partner to marry to avoid divorce.
