In Indian scenario, dating used to be such an alien concept. These were only meant for foreigners. We feared dating because we wrongly believed that every time people dated they ended up in bed. This is not true though the chances of entering into sexual intimacy are certainly not an impossible idea. However, it was totally up to the individuals whether to engage in sexual relationship or not and dating is not the platform for that.

Looking at our own situation now, the stigma about dating is gradually changing. Dating is becoming a common phenomenon in all the metros and major cities of India. Youngsters have started taking a more mature look at dating and they use dating to judge relationships and people. There are number of reasons for this change. One of the reasons that plays a major role here is the increasing number of divorcees. The number of singles that are in their 30s and 40s are increasing. They tend to look at relationships in a more mature way. They are no more led by mere infatuation of their first love. Most of them have already gone through some bitter experience and are hurt with their past relationship and they are more careful in considering new relationships. So they use dating to judge people and relationships. Dating can happen in a number of ways and it certainly not limited to what we see in the Hollywood Movies.

When we say dating it merely means meeting of two adults in a common place where they can spend time together either sharing a meal or enjoying some amusement activity together such as watching a movie or going to a music show. If both partners find the other person appealing, they will tend to meet more often and spend more time together. This will help them understand the other persons better, their likes and dislikes etc. It will help them find out whether that they are compatible with each other and whether they can spend life together. Dating is such a healthy way of judging relationships and we have a contorted idea about this concept and the Hollywood movies and the written material on these topics are mostly to be blamed for this.

Another reason why dating is increasing is the decreasing number of arranged marriages in India. The concept of arranged marriages is dying out slowly and in metros and cities, youngsters no more want to be told whom they should marry. They would like to choose their partners like it happens in the rest of the world. The youth today are exposed to the global trends and they would like to identify themselves with those trends. So we find that the younger generation does not consent to arranged marriages. They would like to find out before hand whether they can share their life with a person and whether they are compatible with each other. So compatibility of the couple is no more judged by reading their horoscopes.

I agree with you. I think dating is such a healthy thing to do. I mean, the thought of an arranged marriage just terrifies me. You don't know the person, they don't know you.. what if you're not compatible? I'm glad to hear that there is more dating going on. I think there are so many changes that should take place in the world, and it makes me happy to hear that the whole arranged marriage scene is fading. That's great.

It's nice to hear that the young ones in India are now given more freedom to choose their life partner. I agree with you that dating has its value in considering compatibility with a partner. Even online dating gives you the chance to know the other person better. You tend to know if you share the same or opposite ideas, sense of humor, sensitivity, etc. Dating opens doors to social growth and maturity in dealing with relationships.

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Not only do we get to know more about people whilst dating, we also gain more experience on how to respond to certain situations as well. Plus, it gives us a bigger chance to choose a good mate that will be compatible to us. I have dated many people since my teenager years and it has taught me a lot. I don't think I would be a good judge of character had I just been with one person and stuck with him.

I like the idea of going on some stages before anything else. I surely want to know more about a person so dating is really helpful. I've also dated my guys before so as an observation boys tend to do a lot of sweet talk.

Dating is healthy. How can you find out what a person is like before you marry them unless you date? Use dating as a way to really get to know a person. To really get to know a person takes a few years, too.

Yeah it really takes a lot of time to get to know a person's personality in and out. Isn't it good to be with someone whom you feel comfortable?

Dating doesn't always lead to the bedroom. I understand that many times it does, but that depends on the people involved. If the people commit to a relationship that doesn't involve sex, then they can focus on having a relationship that does not focus merely on carnal desires.

The dating process is very important in a relationship. That would help you know your partner. I go out on dates before I got marry. Now, I am happy with my status. I'm glad to hear that the people in India would go out on dates now. I wonder, do they have the freedom now to decline arranged marriage?

I wouldn't ever marry someone or even call them my bf without dating them first... it's important to get to know the person first.

I agree. I mean, I know there are different beliefs in different places, but it would make things very hard. I don't know too much about how that works either..

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-Brittany Brydahl