NCMO. Filling the canteen.
Every BYU student has heard of these two things, two terms to describe the people who just want to “have fun” rather than date. Fortunately, I think most of the students view these ideals as a problem. But have you heard of the “Three Date Rule”? Taking dating too seriously is just as big a problem as taking it too lightly. This needs to stop in order for students to have a healthier social environment while at BYU.
The majority of BYU students seemingly have this subconscious idea that dating is only for marriage and nothing else. This is where the “Three Date Rule” comes into play. By the third date, a lot of people think that you have to know if you want a serious relationship with the person. While not trying to downplay the importance of marriage, I wish BYU students did not think this was true. I’ve had roommates scared to go on a third date with a guy they were unsure about because they didn’t want to give the wrong idea. That isn’t how it should be.
Dating is for more reasons than just marriage, though that does play an important role. Dating is also for friendship and to have a good time. Most importantly, I think, dating is for learning what you value in the opposite gender and for learning about yourself.
Don’t get me wrong — dating is a wonderful thing. But let’s just change the way we think about it.
Carlisa Cramer
Lafayette, Ind.
