3 Ps

We talked about dating and courtship a couple weeks ago. And I know that a few from the class have already blogged about this but I found it really interesting. Often people look to the guy to initiate a date and can't remember which General Authority said this but he said that a date should have 3 Ps

• Planned Ahead
• Paired Off
• Payed for

I think those are great guidelines. We talked about how important these three elements are in a date because it allows for a couple to really get to know each other by spending time together and participating in an activity, not just "hanging out". Well, Brother Williams, then compared these three Ps to the roles of the father outlined in The Proclamation to the World. They are preside, protect, and provide. The six Ps parallel each other perfectly! It was a connection I'd never seen before!

Planned ahead and preside. If a man can plan a date and be prepared then he should be able to preside over a family. He knows how to plan things and he is prepared for what may happen.

Paired off and protect. When a couple is paired off a man needs to protect his date not only from physical danger but also spiritually. Is he willing to walk out of the movie with you? Does he respect you enough to not make you do anything you don't want or shouldn't be doing?

Payed for and provide. By paying for the date the man has shown that he can provide.

While some of these things may not be apparent in the first date as a couple gets to know each other they will discover more and more about each other. I thought this connection was very interesting and a new way to look at dating. The patterns established during dating will show in the marriage and that includes finances and planning. It is through dating that you find out what kind of marriage partner the other will be.