Dating for Dummies

I have come to realize that the YSA really like to get together and talk about dating. The last discussion that was held last week was on dating and there was a fireside again today about dating. Tonight fireside/discussion was absolutely hilarious and I am so glad that I went.  Here’s how it went: the men and women were separated and they were each given instructors on a certain topic. The instructors had me crying I was laughing so hard.  There was a topic on communication/body language AKA flirting and then another with 10 tips for dating.

10 Tips for the “Dummies”:

1. Encourage "mission before fishin"
2. Make your list check it twice
3. Build your profile
4. Simple, cheap and heavily populated 
5. Date=Mate
6. YOU are the key (you are in control) 
7. Let's get physical....NOT 
8. Avoid the 10 Second rush (avoid getting a little too close in compromising situations
9. Don't "park" in the dark
10. Fulfill your dream 

Tips for Communicating: 

1. Smile! But not the creepy stalker smile
2. Make eye contact. If direct eye contact makes you feel uncomfortable look at their forehead, shoulder, other shoulder, nose or mouth
3. Pay attention to them! 
4. Ask them about themselves

After we were all given these workshops everybody was given a dating registration form. The YSA were told to fill out their information and people they would like to get to know. This was meant for them to practice their dating skills. All of these names would get put into a pot and they would get paired up for group dates (2 couples). They would then go on these dates. After the dates each person would rate their date. Yes, rate their date (according to what we learned about tonight) and text their rating to the person in charge. Then the 4 people that have the highest overall ratings get to go on a group date paid for by the stake presidency. Neat. Here is the actual form for you to take a look at. It's pretty funny. 

It has become very evident to me that New Zealand has an issue about dating because I guess the YSA have in their head that if someone asks you on a date it means that you are boyfriend/girlfriend or looking for marriage. So they are trying to get them out of it by showing them that dating is for fun by doing firesides like this. They always make references about how American girls are used to going on dates and doing it properly. They actually make a lot of references the American girls. For example, they were talking about being careful with physical contact (specifically making out) on the first date because its not always culturally acceptable. He then proceeded to say "except for some of our YSA girls here from America, they're probably used to it". Wow. Go America. What a great reputation. 

Because it's Sunday I need to add a Mormon Message. I know I already showed this one but it's so appropriate and I just love it. Enjoy!