Gender and Dating Relationships

Andy Otto's article on Busted Halo brought up many good points.  I think it is definitely important for couples to discuss getting married prior to getting engaged.  Marriage is a serious commitment and a serious and mature discussion should take place.  The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is an "efficacious sign of grace."

In Andy's article he writes about the movie Runaway Bride in which Ike says, "You know, if you gotta dress it up like that it doesn't ring true."  I think Ike makes a good point because it seems like sometimes people have such over the top engagements and it doesn't really mean anything.  Of course many of the wedding traditions are important in my eyes, but I think the couple should make sure they don't lose touch of what is really important.  

My parents discussed getting married before my dad proposed. They even bought a house together and lived together for a few months to see how things would work out.  My mom didn't want to rush into any decisions without knowing it was right.  I think my parents made a good choice by talking about what they both wanted.  This way when my father proposed, my mom knew it was the right choice for the both of them.