History offers us valuable information to see where we've come from and where we're at in the path leading from being single to a marital relationship. Wisdom dictates that we discern the difficulties and dangers associated with today's dating scenarios.

1. From Courting to Dating The history, ramifications, and discernment regarding courtship and dating.

6. History Of Courting and Dating “ A young lady residing in one of the small towns of Central New York, is desirous of opening a corre-spondence with some young man in the West, with a view to a matrimonial engagement . . . She is about 24 years of age, possesses a good moral character, is not what would be called handsome, has a good disposition, enjoys good health, is tolerably well-educated, and thoroughly versed in the mysteries of house-keeping.” Waterloo, Iowa, newspaper in 1860

8. History Of Courting and Dating “ Much of the customs of courtship during the Colonial times revolved around rational needs and not lust (Cate & Lloyd, 1992). A man was only able to marry when he could support a family with his income and possessions. Many believed that love developed only after a marriage progressed and not before. Nevertheless, this quickly changed during the 1800s when love started to become important. The love referred to, however, was not romantic love for romantic love was seen as childish. Instead, couples sought openness and sincerity in a mate (Cate & Lloyd, 1992).”