One day one of my dear sisters and I was discussing dating. She made the statement that dating is about collecting data. Cambridge defines data collection as “the activity of collecting information that can be used to find out about a particular subject.” So with that said, when we date, it’s an opportunity to collect information that gives a window to look at the individual. Principles of dating-collecting data: What should we be looking for to help us know the person? More importantly, with a pandemic in full force, how do we date?
In days of long ago, dating was not just a time to learn about the individual you are dating. It was time to have fun and to share good times with other people. Nowadays, to date safely, most meetings will take place virtually to avoid health risks. A close face to face encounter might happen less with new relationships. People who shied away from dating apps now see them as a possibility of meeting someone. Once you meet someone, the process of getting to know them begins. So how do you date and collect data? And more importantly, what kind of data would you receive?
As of this time, as I am writing this post, I am not dating. But I have given some thought to what I see as dating principles and the data I would look to collect in this season of social distancing. First of all, because we would spend most of our time utilizing zoom or face time for our socializing, I would pay strict attention to our conversations. Are they rich with details that provide a snapshot of the person’s moral character, religious beliefs, goals, life successes, and failures, to name a few?
It’s hard to continually fake something when you mostly communicate in front of a camera. Before the pandemic dating for many people included restaurant dinners, shows, movies, etc. Other people were present and provided some distractions. But, when you sit in your home facing the other person without all the dress up, makeup and fan flair that we use to prepare for a date, a more real person is revealed. Quite frankly, the pandemic has caused people to interact with each other more on a different level. Is that not a good thing? Don’t you want to get to know the genuine person? Principles of dating- collecting data; what information should you gather?
Just my personal belief, but I feel if we take the time to get to know someone (collect data ), our relationships would be better and more durable. Marriages could probably endure more storms. Dating needs to move beyond the surface of the person to their inner core. Researchers collect data to get information about whatever they are studying. The more data collected, the more knowledgeable they become on the subject. So it is with dating. Doing the work now while apart physically is necessary; when we get beyond this pandemic, the dinners, outings, and being together will be worth the wait. If you plan to meet with someone face to face, please wear a mask and social distance to protect each other.
As I end this post, what are your principles of dating? What data are you collecting to grow your relationship while remaining safe? How did you and the person become acquainted? I would love to hear from anyone in a new relationship during this pandemic or desire to be in one. What are your thoughts on dating? And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 1 Thessalonians 3:12. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “What Is Love?”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie