Other

---

The Art of Dating 101

Dating Defined

1. A Date- is an escort. An escort is one that accompanies another to guide, protect, or show honor. Second meaning is a man who is the companion of a woman.

2. Dating- is to go on a date or dates with. It’s an appointment to meet someone at a specific time and place. It’s a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character.

3. What purpose does dating serve in a relationship?
It enriches a person’s life and brings fun and excitement.
It builds a relationship.
It develops a person’s knowledge, understanding and wisdom of their escort as they encounter new people, places and things.

4. Who can we date?
We can date or go on a date with an acquaintance, friend boy or girlfriend, fiancé(e) a spouse, family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, manager, boss, schoolmate and teacher (if its lawful).

It’s always good to go back to the original definition of classifying what we are doing because it brings things into perspective and we don’t get into opinions but straight forward facts.

The Acquaintance Experience Being Shared (Ruth 2:18-23)

1. Ruth expressed her love and loyalty toward Naomi by the way she began working to help support her and by being sincere about the materialistic blessings she received (Verse 18)

2. Naomi recognized that some wealthy land owner had favored Ruth. Ruth openly told Naomi about her new acquaintance. (Verse 19)

3. Naomi responded positively not defensively or suspicious. Then after hearing the story she verbally blessed Boaz. Naomi informed Ruth that Boaz is related to her dead husband and that he’s a prime candidate for a husband according to Jewish custom and law.(Verse 20)

4. Ruth told Naomi how she was invited to continue to glean in Boaz’s field.(Verse 21)

5. Naomi encouraged her to go out and remain gleaning in his field.(Verse 22)

6. Ruth worked daily until the harvest was completed.(Verse 23)

Ruth Follows Naomi’s Advice (Ruth 3:1-6)

Naomi realized that Boaz is the next of kin (the next man available according to Jewish custom and law) to be able to marry either Naomi or Ruth. So with this in mind Naomi sought to look after Ruth.

Naomi taught Ruth certain dating skills that were understood in the culture of the day. Naomi knew the kind of man that was right for Ruth. Naomi knew where he would be. She also taught Ruth how to groom her-self and get hygienically clean and perfumed for the date.

Naomi also gave Ruth helpful techniques that allowed her the opportunity to win Boaz over during the date.

Courtship and Body Language

Body language is gestures, movements and mannerisms by which a person communicates with others.

Courtship is that act or period of courting or wooing your date, or a man you’re trying to win over. The key to successful courtship lies in recognizing the subtle signals men send out when they’re attracted to you. Two thirds of the time women give off a signal of interest first. There are several courtship signals that men send out when they’re interested in a girl. Some are conscious sign’s, others are subtle indicators that even he doesn’t know he’s giving out.

The Date with Ruth and Boaz

1. The encounter on the first date (Ruth 3:7)
She knew where he was. He was working. She did not approach him immediately, she waited and watched. What she was waiting and watching for? For the right time! What time? After he finished eating and drinking his meal, it’s important to understand that there’s the right time to approach a man.
Wait for a good sign or opportunity to approach.
If he’s busy wait.
Once he’s refreshed, relaxed and cheerful or good spirits that’s the time to approach.
Hardworking men tend to finish their work before going for a social break.

2. Something startled the man (Ruth 3:8)
Boaz was surprised to find a woman at his feet. Most well mannered men will be surprised to find a woman near them or scoping them out at the job, school, or the mall. Beware of any emotional actions or reactions during a date with the guy you’re interested on dating.
Most men express extreme shyness, fear, insecurity, inferiority complexes, a sense of inadequacy or unworthiness when they find a young woman near them with a desire to communicate.

Men who are usually surprised or overwhelmed really did not expect to attract a pretty girl Boaz’s problem was that he thought he was too old (See Ruth 3:10). David’s problem was that he thought he was too poor when King Saul wanted to give his daughter as a trophy to the ultimate gladiator (See 1 Sam.18:17-28). Low self-esteem cripple many men to appreciate a good looking young woman whose interested in them. Don’t put him down, but allow him to express himself.

3. Boaz’s question to Ruth was; Who are you?
Evaluate his response. He wasn’t a wisecrack. He didn’t use profanity or sarcasm. He wasn’t mean-spirited or rude. He didn’t joke about her approach or criticize it. He had class. He regained his composure and courage to gently ask a question.

He didn’t say anything about her appearance. So he wasn’t sleazy or greasy. He didn’t use any pick up lines. He asked a sincere question, who are you?

Who are you? What brought you here? Are you enjoying yourself? Are general questions of interest, it’s not personal or forceful. It opens the door of communication on a date.

4. Ruth responded, I am your servant…(Ruth 3:9)
Boaz allowed Ruth to express who she is. When a man has an open ear, he’s interested in what his date has to say. He’s a listener. He’s paying attention to you. He wants to know a little about you.

Boaz allowed her to declare her desire. He did not stop her in mid-sentence. He did not embarrass her. He heard the entire reason as to why she was there.

Boaz allowed her to lay down the facts so he wouldn’t draw any wrong conclusions. He understood that she wasn’t looking for a one night lust affair. He knew it was a date with destiny
a plan with a divine purpose. It was a marry me date.

Spread the corner of your garment over me, is a symbolic sign of matrimony. She verbally and physically explained her motive and intention-cover me, take me as your wife, protect me and provide for me, in today’s terminology.

5. He arose with blessings, he acknowledges her kindness and he sees her motives clearly(Ruth 3:10-11)

She was interested in a spiritually mature and responsible man. He realizes that.
He accepted the offer to be committed to her, because everyone in the neighborhood knew she was a beautiful, respectful and resourceful woman with a godly character.
He promised himself to her. (I will do for you all you ask).

Today most men won’t promise themselves. They don’t make verbal commitments. If so, it’s usually conditional not total commitments. This is why we must pray and seek God’s direction to connect us with the right person.

6. He could marry her but…(Ruth 3:13)
There were no excuses, no games, no lies and no sap rap story. He clearly explained, it’s a customs issue, a temporary set-back but it could be resolved. He had respect for the law and customs of his culture. He didn’t go to Vegas, he went to city hall. He took the legal route. It wasn’t a shack up until it works out type of situation.

He encouraged her to wait for him. Don’t go find another single man. Don’t give up on me. Don’t be disappointed that I can’t marry you right now! Wait for me!

7. He invited her to sleep over with no ill-will motives (Ruth 3:14)
He did not intend to take advantage of her that night. He sat there making plans for marriage with self-control.
He did not want to spoil her reputation. He looked after her well being.
His body language was as pure and blameless as his intentions were.

8. Boaz bless his date materialistically (Ruth 3:15-17)
It was a token of the commitment. Like an engagement ring to a fiancé(e). We must consider material blessings in a relationship. It’s born out of need and supply with common courtesy.
Ruth was receptive to the gift and shared it with her mother-in-law.
It was not a gift to show off his arrogance or gift of persuasion, he gave out of her need.
Ruth was encouraged by Naomi to wait for him.

There’s so much to this awesome date look for similar experiences on your dates and may God bless u to see Mr.Right.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE