When Is The Right Time To Start A Dating Relationship?

People often wonder and ask when the right time to enter into a dating relationship is. Are you one of them or are you already in a relationship?

Is there a particular age at which you are regarded qualified to date? Are there things to consider before asking that girl of your dreams out or is this the right time to say yes to that hunk you so much adore?

In order to answer these questions, I would like to make an analogy with obtaining a driver's licence. My question would be, when is it right to start taking driving lessons? There is a time and season for everything on earth. Everything has a purpose and when the purpose of a thing is unknown abuse is inevitable.Driving tests: oral, theory, hazard perception and practical are put in place to prepare the individual for safe driving. A license is issued after passing the tests to certify that the holder has obtained the necessary standard to drive safely on the highway. This is put in place to prevent / reduce accidents and death on our roads.

To prepare for these tests, the prospective driver enrols in a driving school and takes lessons until he / she is confident and ready to take the tests. Until these tests are passed, you do not obtain a full driver's license. Some may take lessons from parents, friends or relatives while others uses software packages to gain the required knowledge and skills. whatever the case may be, lessons are being learnt and skills are acquired.

In like manner, you should date when you are seriously considering obtaining a marriage license. In order words you date when considering entering into a serious relationship which you hope would lead to the altar. Just like being behind the wheels of a car, you are in the driving seat of the other party's emotions, life and future when in a relationship. The way the affairs of any dating relationship are carried out impacts on both parties.

Many are left scarred as a result of an abusive relationships which goes on to affect future relationships and in some cases their marriage. Though some people deliberately and consciously decide to be become single parents, others get pregnant as a result of their naivety and sincere foolishness. Many people's lives, dreams and aspirations are ruined just because they were in a relationship they were not mature or wise enough to handle.

There may not be a particular age that categorically specifies when it is right to date, the criteria below should be met. When the leaves starts to fall you know that autumn is at hand.

Above the legal age

The law of the land states the age when one is considered to be an adult.

Have parental consent

You need the consent of your parents if you are under their roof. You may be an adult but their support, advice and counsel would help along the way, that's if they know any better.

Be mature

You should be physically and emotionally mature to handle a relationship. Though age may be a factor in determining maturity, it doesn't always apply. Do you have the necessary relational skills to go into a relationship? How much of the temperaments and characteristics of the opposite sex do you know? Do you have the right motives for entering into the relationship, or is it for selfish reasons? Is this relationship a rebound or emotional resting place while you recover from a heart break? Are you in the relationship because of peer pressures or is a hit and run scenario?

Ready to take responsibility

You should be ready to commit to a serious relationship that would eventually lead to marriage. It is not always possible to know for sure that your date is the right one, but there must be a strong indication that he or she is a potential spouse.

Dating without the intention to having a serious relationship is cheap recipe for emotional heart break and disaster. If you do not have the intention of getting married within a considerable time frame, why should you keep a person waiting for 5, 6, 7, 10 years? In such situations breaking up after such a long time would be emotionally disaster especially for the woman whose biologically clock may be past midnight.

Every relationship should be clearly defined and understood by the parties involved. No one should be left in the dark to build castles in the sky. If you do not intend to commit to a relationship for genuine reasons e.g. studies, career etc it would be wise and mature to make it very clear so you do not lead anyone on.

It may sound unusual, but I think couples intending to get married should be asked to attend marriage counselling classes to help prepare them for marriage life. The statistics and rate of divorces even amongst Christians is ever increasing. Love should be the motivation for a true relationship but there are other skills and knowledge to acquire that would help along the way. Marriage it till death, unlike a driver's license that can be revoked divorce is an exception and not the rule

Every decision we take has a consequence, if you make the wrong decision you would reap the harvest. Don't be a fool dating or date a fool. Get the wisdom and understanding to keep you life and future on track.

Pele Odiase is a web designer, programmer and robotics expert. He loves photography and plays the keyboard for his local church. His experience of the lifestyle and morals practiced in the UK motivated him to start his web log.

He is the webmaster of Ask Dr. P - a website dedicated to sharing candid and virtuous view that would enable individuals and families maximise their potentials in relationships and finances.

Visit: http://www.peleodiase.com for life changing articles Download free ebooks here [http://www.peleodiase.com/blog/members-area]

Online Dating Relationships - 7 Strategic Guidelines to Successful Growth & Development

We live in a world where everyone is connected in some way, shape or form. This is how the universe was created. As the song says, "no man is an island, no man stands alone", this is a fact of life which we have all come to realize at some point in time.

While establishing, growing and maintaining long-lasting relationships with friends, families, co-workers and others will allow us to experience that sense of belonging that we hunger for, we also have this urge to find a soul mate to share our lives with. Someone who means more to us than our families, friends or anyone else for that matter.

Many people go through this phase using the traditional avenues by dating people who they know personally; however, as the internet become more accessible we find a lot more people using it to meet their soul mate.

Here are 7 effective tips that you can use to greatly enhance your online dating experience;

1. Know what you're looking for: Make a list of common characteristics that you would like your date to have. In doing this you need to understand that it's difficult to find the perfect mate; however, having a guideline will allow you to identify common traits early, so you can decide on your next move.

Of course you have to also remember here that strong relationships takes time to develop, so don't be in too much of a hurry to move on unless, you're 100% sure it's not going to work. You don't want to just walk away too early from a good thing.

2. Never ever take your date for granted: Too often in the real world we see relationships that could have been developed into a lasting one end up in disaster, just because one party takes the other for granted. Take some initiative, make suggestions, be active.

3. Pay attention: Do you wait for your date to contact you, or do you make contact first? Do you listen and pay attention to what your date is saying, or are you preoccupied with watching the ball game, or some other pastime while communicating with your date?

We are all busy people and sometimes this overshadows other important things that needs to be done; however, establishing and growing a successful online dating relationship requires some amount of sacrifice, in terms of time and commitment.

If you're not willing to spend some time and pay close attention when communicating with your date, then you're not ready for this.

4. Take it slow: Although you might want to know quickly whether this person is for you or not, you should also remember to take it slow. Let the conversation flow, don't be pushy. Having an easy-going conversation can uncover many "under the radar" traits that can tell you a lot about the person.

5. Respect each others time: As I said before we are busy people so set up some kind of a schedule to communicate or go on dates, and make sure you keep your end of the bargain. This is very important as your date might be trying to analyze your attitudes to see how disciplined you are.

6. Respect each others privacy: Too often we see and hear about cases of mistrust between partners. Sometimes we get overly excited about what's happening and share personal or sensitive information, which, when found out could lead to the other party loosing trust. Remember, relationships are built on trust.

7. Just have fun: Establishing and growing an online relationship is all about life. Don't let it be a chore, have fun with it. Share resources with each other that you enjoy doing, like joining forums or communities and establishing relationships with others. Bring out the things that you like to do early, so there can be some transparency.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Creating, growing and establishing an online dating relationship can lead you to finding your soul mate who is willing to share their life with you; however, this is a process that will require your input also to make it work.

Thanks for reading.

Godfrey Thaxter is an online/network marketer with a passion for personal development and counseling. Click below to learn more about establishing and growing your online dating experience: http://www.AffiliateInstantCash.com/dating

Mature Dating Relationships - How to Not Let the Past Control Your Future

If you are one of the lucky ones who are in a mature dating relationship then be sure to hold onto it and not jinx it. Today, very few individuals are lucky enough to be in mature dating relationships that will last for a while and may be even blossom into a marriage down the line. If you are in search for one, maybe you need to take care of certain things so that your past relationships will not dictate how your life is going to go in the future.

Firstly, to successfully be in a mature dating relationship, you need to learn to let go. This is especially true in case of people who have had bad experience dating in the past and are on a self destructive path now. Learn to not let the wrong incidents dictate who you are. It is important to understand that be in a mature dating relationship, the couple has to fully open up to each other and not let emotional baggage go unmentioned. If there is something that worries you, speak up and don't let it affect your current relationship as well.

On the flipside, if you are trying to change the person you are dating instead of yourself, then that too is definitely not a sign of a mature dating relationship. Some people have this tendency of trying to recreate what they do and end up losing everything altogether. This is especially true in case of individuals who have lost their half unnaturally and have not yet healed from the fact. Building mature dating relationships is very challenging for such people because they simply don't know how to go about finding a new person to build a new bond with.

Another aspect that may be preventing you from being in a mature dating relationship is probably come to quick conclusions. This is seen often in people who have had too many problematic relationships in the past. People who fall in this category come to a fast judgment without getting all the facts right. The quickly try to label the person they are dating and consecutively never really experience the true mature dating relationship.

Remember that maintaining a older dating relationship is about looking forward to the future and having faith in the person. You can't expect to be in committed relationships if you are hiding too many things from your partner. It is probably the reason why you may be finding it tough to be in a mature dating relationship.

Keep what's in the past in the past. You can't fix things that are already passed so focus your attention and life on your current relationship. If you were immature in the past, then start now and learn to lead your heart. Lead your heart to invest in the other person, to give yourself without requirement and to serve your partner with dignity and respect. Right now is the only moment you have control over, so make it count.

Allen Tane is an experienced writer on the professional singles market and mature dating relationship industry. He has been writing for quite a while and has had countless articles published. Some of Allen's most favorite topics to write on include single professionals over 30, mature professional singles, mature dating relationships, and matchmaking. Allen's articles are well written and memorable. They are especially great for anyone looking to start dating and still keep up with their daily activities.

Mature Dating Relationship - Building One of Your Own

Many people often ponder how to build a mature dating relationship not knowing that the answer is right in front of them. The easiest way to get involved in a mature dating relationship is to learn to trust and commit to the person a hundred percent. If you are unsure about the person, then you are probably keeping yourself away intentionally from a mature dating relationship.

First, you need to get the basics of relationships right to eventually build it into a nice older dating relationship. One of the most important parts of such relationships is commitment. Commitment is not about just saying "I Love You" to the person and expecting everything to work out. You need to be absolutely confident that you are going to spend the rest of your life with this person and not let anything change the way you think about the person. This is one of the cornerstones of a mature dating relationship.

The next basic thing about a mature dating relationship is about having trust. Trust is a fundamental entity to any relationship and an absolute necessity for the relationship to survive. In fact, without trust, the world will be a very different place. Imagine spending colossal amounts of time with a person and then ultimately finding it hard to trust them. This is probably what causes most relationships to evolve into mature dating relationships.

Of course, if there is trust, then there should be patience. If you trust a person enough, then you should learn to be patient with them. Mature dating relationships do not happen overnight and need time to build into what they should become. Hence, you have to learn to be patient with the person you are involved with so that over time, you can have a mature dating relationship with them.

The other key aspect about a mature dating relationship is being faithful. In today's sinful world, infidelity is a common occurrence and not given adequate importance. If you are not willing to appreciate the relationship that you share with a person, then it is time you get out of it. Infidelity is a deep wound that will not heal soon and will damage both of you, not just the person you are cheating on. Hence, the simplest way to having a mature relationship is to be loyal and faithful to your partner and stick with them through thick and thin.

One of the best ways to begin your journey in developing a mature relationship is to connect with an online matchmaker. Matchmakers are known for promoting and connected mature relationships. Their philosophy is join people and keep them connected. As a client of a matchmaker you'll find incredible professionalism and care for your wants and desires. If you've given online dating a try and you've been disappointed then a matchmaker is the way to go. A matchmaker can quickly have you on your way to building a long lasting, satisfying and mature relationship.

Allen Tane is an experienced writer on the professional singles market and mature dating industry. He has been writing for quite a while and has had countless articles published. Some of Allen's most favorite topics to write on include single professionals over 30, mature dating professional singles, relationships, and matchmaking. Allen's articles are well written and memorable. They are especially great for anyone looking to start dating and still keep up with their daily activities.

Love Test - How Do You Test If Your Date Will Commit Without Ruining a Great Dating Relationship?

Let's say you're in a great dating relationship with a highly compatible match in all important areas. Are you ready to commit? Is your date? How do you find out without ruining your casual connection? You and your date can take this Love Test.

A Love Test For You: How do you know if you're ready to commit to an exclusive, monogamous relationship?

Does the thought of commitment feel like a noose around your neck?

Do you think of all the dating delights you will miss if you commit to your current lover?

Would you feel like the cage door was closing and your wings were being clipped?

If you answered YES to any question, you're not emotionally ready to commit.

This may not have anything to do with the wonderful person you are dating. Your stressful feelings about commitment are signs that you yearn for personal freedom and growth that often comes from serial dating.

If you answered NO to those three questions, you may be ready to commit to the right person. Ask yourself some questions about your dating partner:

Are you clearly seeing more strengths than flaws in your dating partner and the way you two interact?

Do you see the two of you working through life's challenges and enjoying mundane pleasures of daily life?

Do you feel moments of a sublime connection in which you lose track of time, space and a sense of separate selves?

Would you happily give up the chance to date anyone else if your current dating relationship moves from casual to committed?

If you answered YES to the one or more questions on this Love Test, you are ready to explore the possibility of a committed relationship. Is your date feeling the same way?

How do you find out if your date may be ready to commit without ruining your great casual connection?

Unfortunately, you may not be able to. You run the risk of making your date run, if you ask about their vision for your relationship. Is it worth that risk?

Consider what's best for your well being. Is your biological clock tickling loudly? Do you feel your time is precious and you don't want to waste it in a relationship that doesn't have future potential?

It may be in your best interests to have the commitment conversation and face the consequences early in your dating relationship.

What is the best way to ask about commitment?

Avoid all-or-nothing ultimatums. Most of us don't respond well to commands or controlling partners who issue them.

You might start the conversation saying how much you enjoy getting to know each other and you'd like to spend more time together over the next few months to see if you both see serious potential for your relationship.

Then pay close attention to the response you receive.

If you sense more resistance than positive vibes, this relationship may not have a future. If you'd rather find this out sooner than later, consider asking your date to make a choice.

You might say that you don't feel the desire to date anyone else. Ask your date if they feel the same way about you.

If they do, then a committed relationship is the natural next step.

If your date wants to keep dating you and other people, then you must decide if that works for you.

Could you make a better use of your precious time and emotional energy meeting and dating someone who feels ready to make a commitment with the right person?

If that's what you decide, you will end this relationship and move forward. And you may want to ask this direct question about commitment readiness in a light-hearted tone at the beginning of your next dating relationship.

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About a Dating Relationship

A dating relationship is one where you are constantly going for dates to get to know each other more. In other words, you have not really settled as a couple but are exploring ways to get into a real relationship. Dating is essential because it is through it, that you really get to know a person deep within. It is essential for you to know how to go about a dating relationship and this will enable you make the process as easy as it can be. When you are dating, chances are that you already like their character and are willing to explore more of who they are. There are several things you can employ while dating to ensure that you do not make common mistakes that others have made. The first thing is seriousness. If you are not serious at all, it is better for you to terminate the dating process. This way, you will avoid hurting the feelings of innocent singles. When dating, you must be sure that you want someone in your life. Make sure that your relationship goals match.

A dating relationship should be based on common interests and, when your goal for the relationship contrasts the other person's goal, you are clearly not headed to the same direction. Your goal might be to have a short term relationship and the person might be looking for a spouse. Therefore, if you are looking to get married, make sure you enter into a dating relationship with people who can deliver on this. You need to be yourself while conducting dates. This is the opportunity for your personality to shine. If you pretend to be somebody else, you are definitely going to build your union on a false foundation that is going to fall sooner or later. You do not have to be perfect, just be yourself and everything will work out for you. Another thing you need to have is confidence. Gather courage and be confident while you are dating; this is the only way to ensure that you leave no stone unturned.

A dating relationship does not have to be very long. Once you get to know each other move on the next face of the relationship, this way, you will save a lot of time. In other words, there are many people who are just fearful of relationships and they keep dating and never go beyond it. Life is not a rehearsal by a long shot and, you need to get moving if you are serious enough. Once you like the person you are dating, ask them to be yours officially and this will give a feel of love and stability. Above all, you need to have lots of wisdom to recognize the red flags that might come. If you realize that the person you are dating is not the one, you have an obligation to halt the relationship. Enter into a relationship that you know will be based on true love and affection.

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Building Internet Dating Relationships: Personal Safety First

Internet dating can be fun. But while establishing internet dating relationships, you can only ignore safety and common sense at your peril. Always keep in mind that you are dealing with strangers and at minimum, take caution in the following areas.

Protect Your Computer

Your personal safety comes first. But when dating online, there is a chance of someone grabbing you by the neck through your computer. How?

Well, spy-ware, Trojan horses and other malicious software can (and do) sneak into your computer without your knowledge. Before long, some stranger knows more about you and your internet surfing habits than you would dare to think.

Not only that but, your computer could experience a system crash or start acting funny (and not in a humorous way).

Taking care of your equipment and systems should therefore be the first step towards your safety while establishing internet dating relationships.

At the bare minimum, you need two forms of protective software:

1. A Firewall: Helps keep destructive or malicious wares from entering your system or network

2. Anti-Virus: Helps to stop and/or clean computer viruses

Protect Yourself

The next step in safety in establishing internet dating relationships is your personal safety. Always keep in mind that you are dealing with strangers. So, how do you protect yourself?

Begin by choosing appropriate dating sites. Seek and choose a reputable dating service. How?

You could start by asking around with friends, relatives, co-workers and others you may know who have tried internet dating for recommendations. But, be aware that dating sites tend to be tailored to meet specific needs, and what may be right for your friend may not necessarily be so for you.

Alternatively, you could do your own research. Do a search for "internet dating services", or "online dating services" with your favorite search engine. And do take notes.

Among the things to look for are addresses or website links, the fees, rules and regulations, complete contact information of each and any other useful information that spikes your interest. Then compare each site. This might turn end up being tedious and time-consuming work.

An easier way around this is to read objective dating site reviews on the internet. These will give you, at least, an overview of what to expect.

When researching dating sites you will be tempted with offers for free services. Don't. Why?

You see, there is a price to pay, even for free services. For one, you will likely be bombarded with advertisements and pop-up windows. The second, reason is the very subject of this article: safety.

If a site is not charging for services, it is like that they may be selling information to other sites. Also, its membership may not be of the best quality. What type of person would not part with a small fee for the sake of establishing quality internet dating relationships?

A person who is ready to part with a small fee to find a date is already proving commitment. Better still, she/he can be tracked and therefore less likely to be twisted.

Your success in internet dating relationships should be taken seriously- while still having fun- and should never be left to chance. Neither should your personal safety.

David Kamau is webmaster of http://e-datecentral.com which reviews dating sites. Find reputable dating sites with free trials at: http://e-datecentral.com/personals/free_trials.htm