roll call

Shhh... I'm thinking.

.

I'm trying to determine which is worse, people who load the toilet paper the wrong way, or people who don't care.

.

.

.

.

.

Image by: Kipin

social dating

I once heard an impressive young lady use a sticky note illustration to make a point about social dating.

Before I get to that part, I need to set it up. This speaker, who’s name escapes me at the moment, claimed that there is a significant difference between the male and female perspective on dating. If nothing physical has transpired (hand-holding, etc.), the male perspective usually will assume that there has not been a serious attachment. Meanwhile, the glances, conversations, gifts, etc., could have a couple practically engaged to the feminine mindset. (These are generalizations, of course, but I tend to believe they are founded in some degree of truth.) When I was dating, I did not consider a young lady to be my “girlfriend” until we had kissed. I wish I could take it all back now, and do it over, but that is in the past.

Now, back to our favorite office supply. Here is the principle: When you first place a sticky note, it stays pretty well. But as it is removed and replaced, its adhesive strength is greatly diminished.

She suggested that such a phenomenon also happens in relationships. When a boy and girl form a romantic bond, initially it will stick quite nicely. But the more we practice and suffer through separation and the more we scar and build up our defenses from getting hurt, the less adhesion we take into the relationship when we are finally ready to marry. This happens unequally and unfairly, because girls get hurt more from separation. That, she said is a contributing factor to the atrocious numbers of divorce in the church.

If this is true, what should we do about this? I teach my boys to protect the hearts of the young ladies. My older son has expressed an interest in courtship over dating. I try to have a strong relationship with my daughters, but I know that I have many failings as a dad and husband.

So, does this sticky note thing sound like practical help or should I rethink this?