Seriously dating over here.
History of our relationship:
2002: Dated (for about 6 months all up, although the 'official bit' was really only 2 months). Very shallow dating, very BAD dating.
2002-2004: VERY close friends, sometimes lurking into what could be classified as gf/bf, but not acknowledged, and when talked about with each other, agreed to stay as friends. Waters a bit 'murky' for about 8 months there.
December 2003 - April 2004: Found ourselves having lots of little talks about how we cared about each other, and how we could see benefits of pursuing a relationship. Had a big talk, decided that in order to do it RIGHT this time, needed to take time out alone, with God, and observe each other, and grow in our characters and our behaviour with one another.
April-September: Watched each other, prayed heaps, studied the Bible, addressed issues that stunted the relationship last time, confessed fears, observed the others traits and saw how each of us grew and matured and that yes, we would make a successful, loving, God-centered relationship work this time.
September: Had our talk, decided that yes, we both wanted this with our hearts, our families had given their blessings (without knowing what we'd been going through), and that if we did it RIGHT this time, God would bless our relationship, and in time, we'd be husband and wife.
I think in some ways, engagement wouldn't be that far off for us - and this is only due to the fact of the length of time we've known each other, what we've seen each other come through, how we've grown, and the blessing we have for that to happen from our families (although my family is more vocal on 'marriage', his family doesn't seem to think marriage is all that important - not that Christian really). We have a few 'spiritual' issues to work through (we are at differing levels spirituality and I venture to say I put more stock in it than he would - due to family-of-origin belief patterns that have filtered down to us), and if they got sorted through healthily and righteously, than there wouldn't really be anything else stopping us.
Sasch
