Dating

Now that my boys are of dating age I wanted to remind them how to treat a lady. I printed this out for them:

Just as we've taught you new skills throughout your life, I wanted to give you guidelines for your dating life as well. Some of it comes naturally simply because you're a good person and you care about someone, but some habits can be learned and I wanted to help you because I love you and I want you to be happy in life AND in love. Please take this seriously even though you "already know all of this."

HOW TO SHOW SOMEONE YOU CARE:

 ⁃ Be respectful. Listen when she talks. Hold the door for her. Look her in the eye. No PDA. Her body belongs to her. You don't touch it without permission.

 ⁃ Be thoughtful. Send good morning texts. Give her compliments. Give small gifts randomly. Pay attention to what she likes. Let her choose what you watch or do. It is appropriate for a gentleman to pay for his date, but there are times when you're young that it is okay to "go dutch" (you each pay for your own).

 ⁃ Celebrate your big days. Acknowledge her birthday, Valentine's Day, Anniversaries (first kiss), Christmas, or any day that means something to you, with a thoughtful gift or card.

 ⁃ Respect her space. You are each individuals. You don't always have to be together. She has her friends, you have yours. Sometimes they will be mutual, sometimes they won't. Do not, under any circumstance, try to control her.

 ⁃ Communicate! Don't be afraid to tell her how you feel. And keep in mind that having a fight doesn't mean you have to break up. Problems always arise, but they can be worked out with calm communication. If you're meant to be, you'll find a way to make it work. If not, part amicably and continue your quest for the one.

 ⁃ Be consistent. Treat her the same when you're around your friends as you do when you're alone.

 ⁃ Show self control. Respect her body. Love her for who she is, not for what you might get from her. Sex releases hormones that connect 2 people in ways that are only meant for marriage. Respect that in her. This is very emotional for a girl and you should not take that from her. Not only that, but respect the dreams the 2 of you have. A baby really throws a wrench in things. Love her enough to wait.

 ⁃ Self evaluate.  It is imperative, in any relationship, that you self evaluate periodically to make sure you are holding up your end of the relationship.

I hope they take these tidbits to heart. And I hope they each find a partner in life that treats them the same way.