As latter-day saints we believe in the importance of marriage. That marriage and family are eternal however that does not mean that getting married or finding a companion is easy. It can be confusing, discouraging navigating the dating world. There is also incredible pressure on choosing someone as your partner creating more anxiety, Am I choosing the right person? is this the right time? What if we get divorced?
All these thoughts and questions can suck the fun and joy out meeting new people. There is so much social anxiety young people are facing that they avoid social situations all together. I know for me personally I've done the same, staying home rather going out with friends. However, Church leaders and other research provide resources to help us navigate the dating world.
I will be referencing the book." Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives."
pr" George Levinger (1983) postulated a five-phase development of heterosexual romantic relationships:
A. Awareness of or Acquaintance with another person; B. Buildup of the relationship; C. Continuation following Commitment to a long-term relationship (which may result in marriage for many couples);
D. Deterioration or Decline in the interdependence of the couple.
E. Ending of the relationship."
"The issue for single Latter-day Saints is how to enter
into phase A and move progressively through phase A into phase B and then into phase C, with the end point being a temple marriage that will grow into an eternal and celestial marriage. Once in a relationship, another issue may arise when one becomes aware that a pre-marital relationship is not progressing or should not progress (phase D). One must then figure out how to move into phase E, while doing as little damage as possible. Levinger’s model neglects one essential phase—pre-paring for success, the pre-A phase. We turn first to this important phase."
mas S. Monson (Monson, 2004, p. 4) noted, “Decisions determine destiny. That is why it is worthwhile to look ahead, to set a course, to be at least partly ready when the moment of decision comes.” Thus, we must look ahead to the type of marriage we want, set a course toward that goal, and then “prepare every needful thing” (D&C 88:119; D&C 109:8) so when the opportunity for establishing a relationship that could lead to an eternal marriage arises, we are ready to move forward with faith."
So how can we move forward with faith? How do navigate our social relationships?
First surround yourself with people who share the same faith and values as you. Find people you're comfortable around, where you feel safe and free to be you. Start out with group activities that take the pressure off one-on-one interactions. Take the pressure off yourself and just have fun, if you find a connection with some one great if not that's ok too. Just enjoy the experience and making friends. Last but not least put Jesus first in every aspect of your life and he will lead you to all the good things of life.
Eds., A.J.H.D.C.D.T.W. D. ([Insert Year of Publication]). Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. BYU Bookstore Publishing Services. https://byui.vitalsource.com/books/9780842528030
Shttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng#subtitle1
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