Family Life (Courtship, Dating, and Marriage)

DATING

- It is a social activity that involves two or more people generally assessing

each other’s suitability for a potential relationship. Dating can also be
enjoyed as part of an already active relationship. The word dating
actually comes from the arranging of a time and date of meeting.
- It is a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by two people,
as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse.
- It refers to the act of meeting and engaging in some mutually agreed
upon the social activity, together, as a couple.

Types of Dating:
Standard date – involves two people
Double date – two couples go on a date at the same time and place
Group date – where any number of couples can enjoy a date

Importance of Dating:
1. It forms affection and respect.
2. It strengthens the relationship.
3. It gives quality time to each other.
4. It leads one to observe the other person’s character.
5. It provides an opportunity for one to know his/her strengths and
weaknesses in dealing with the opposite sex.
6. It allows you to get to know the person you are in a relationship with while
having a good time.
7. Dating helps to reveal any potential problems you may have if pursuing a
more serious relationship with a person, and it sets the foundation for
marriage.

Terminologies

Going steady – a period wherein the relationship between two people remains
strong and well.

Engagement – a period of an agreement entered between two people in love

for them to be able to know each other and their families well enough to be
sure that they are ready and are suited for life-long companionship.

MARRIAGE

- It is the most enjoyable human relationship. It is the most significant event

that may happen to your life. It takes only two people, a man, and a
woman to unite and make a successful relationship as married couple.
- It is a lifelong partnership of a man and a woman, two unique individuals,
who understand, respect, care, and love each other. It is a bond
between two people who continue to grow and develop their best
qualities as human beings.
 - It is not a mere contract but an inviolable social institution. Its nature,
consequences, and practices are governed by law and not subject to
stipulation except that the marriage settlements may to a certain extent
fix the property relations during the marriage.
- Filipinos view marriage as a sacrament and a lifelong commitment.
Husband and wife work for a successful and harmonious relationship at
home and among family members. Trust, respect, kindness, and love are
essential factors to attain this goal.

Factors Necessary to Consider in Choosing a Lifetime Partner

1. Maturity
- Can make good decisions
- Responsible in handling relationships
2. Fidelity
- Can make the relationship lasting
- Sincere and true to his / her promises
- Considers relationships sacred
3. Commitment
- Can make a peaceful and lasting relationship
- Dedicated to fulfilling his / her responsibilities
4. Love
- Strengthens relationship
- Understands one is a partner
- Enduring
5. Economic Readiness
- Aims for better future of the family
- Financially stable
- Good provider for the needs of the family
6. Physical Maturity
- Proud of having a good partner
- Have a healthy body
7. Character
- Responsible and honest
- Hard-working and industrious
- Respectful and compassionate
- God-fearing
Recipe / Ingredients of a Successful Marriage

- Love
- Understanding / Respect
- Care
- Loyalty
- A Shared Philosophy
- Cooperation
- Growth
- Involvement
- Sharing and Giving
- Communication

SAMPLE MARRIAGE VOWS

I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my

one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the
day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you,
love you faithfully through good times and the bad, regardless of the obstacles
we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this
day forward for as long as we both shall live.