In some cultures, it is not necessary to help people know that they have need of the dating period of a relationship before they commit to marry someone.
This is because they either already know or it is an ingrained part of their cultural experience.
In the olden days, Caucasian homes arrange for their children to meet the children of other families they either admire or like.
They set up parties in their homes and invite their neighbors who they know have children they would like their sons and daughters to be associated with.
It was effectively used to ensure that their sons and daughters do not go out to get involved with people that are below the family's status.
It worked well for them.
Though these parties no longer hold sway as in the time past, the tradition is still practiced in certain ways.
However, in many more cultures, dating is not a way of life.
A man or woman gets a member of the opposite sex and goes straight to the issue of marriage without enough preliminary activity.
Young single adults, especially in Africa are even asking about the necessity for dating before marriage.
It is important though to state that even when not clearly formalized, some form of dating still take place in these cultures where dating is not emphasized as a way of life.
It is not just regarded correctly and taken to the fullest advantage.
Spouses, especially the wives-to-be are studied covertly, call it shadow dating.
Dating has a purpose which is clearly embedded in its meaning.
Dating as a meeting where people of the opposite sex assess and consider each other as a spouse.
In the time past, it may have been okay to meet a man or woman and contract a marriage.
It probably was alright to watch a woman from a far and visit her home and propose marriage to her or her parents and get married.
Today, however, the marriage relationship has evolved so much.
The ability of man to accept things as they appear has diminished greatly.
Freedom to choose has also become an important part of daily living.
Parents no longer choose spouses for their children as it was done in those days.
Then marriages were more of a family affair than it is today where spouses carry their cross.
In this light dating, a preliminary relationship that necessarily precedes courtship and marriage has become important.
It is an element in the relationship cycle that is highly recommended for the great good it would do for those who imbibe and practice it.
Here are a few basic reasons you need to date before you marriage anyone: • Learn social skills - socialization is the first reason for dating.
This is the main purpose of dating from senior teenage years.
Social skills or competences are critical for the different sexes to be able to live together as married adults.
• To develop friendship - marriage is a long journey, it is better traveled with those who see things as closely as possible to your own point of view.
• To know the strengths and weaknesses of a would be spouse - the journey of marriage would be greatly assisted if you find out in advance if the man or woman you want to spend the rest of your life with has the qualities you expect, wish for or desire in a companion.
It is also important to know in advance what weaknesses there are so especially you know if you can tolerate them.
• To get emotionally involved with each other - emotional involvement is critical to the sustaining of respect for one another.
The basic ingredients to emotional involvement are sown during dating, enhanced during courtship and utilized during marriage.
Emotional involvement is not sexual intercourse which actually disrupts the process of building emotional involvement.
• Relationship education - Nobody is allowed to drive a vehicle without evidence of learning to drive and being licensed.
Dating sets the stage for this learning.
Life is a process.
You cannot jump any stage and still succeed.