By Geanice Gee, M.A.
Similar to purchasing a new car, food, or a house, it’s best to shop around while dating. For instance, you may meet someone while dating someone else, and decide that you want to start dating this new person. So, what do you do? Do you end things with the person you’re currently dating, or do you date both at the same time?
In fact, it’s perfectly normal to date more than one person at the same time. You’re not in a committed relationship; this is called the dating stage. Therefore, no strings are attached, but this information must be clear to both parties, or there will be drama. In this situation, you can have your cake and eat it too.
In any case, it’s important to know the difference between dating and courtship. To courtship a person means that you are a couple (in a relationship) that may lead to marriage; so with courtship, each person is committed in a monogamous relationship.
Furthermore, weighing your options helps you find someone who is most compatible, instead of settling for someone that’s convenient. Why waste your time or someone else’s when you could plan ahead, and date with a purpose. Below are some tips on how you can weigh your options while dating.
Get to know the person before you make any kind of commitment
What does the person do for a living?
How does the person behave when upset?
How is the person’s home environment?
Is he or she a neat freak or messy?
Does the person do anything that you can’t stand?
What does the person want out of life?
Does the person want to be in a committed relationship?
Know yourself before you start dating
What do you want out of this experience?
Are you looking for a steady relationship?
What type of person do you see yourself with?
Are you relationship material?