I want to share some thoughts related to the most recent devotional for young single adults presented by President Dallin H Oaks, in which some tips were shared on dating the opposite sex and hanging out.

During the devotional, two main ideas were highlighted:

1) Dating doesn't involve any type of commitment

2) Dating with prospects can take us to a formal relationship.

Dating someone with potential can lead to a serious relationship.

These ideas may appear contradictory. Going on a date with someone who seems like a promising prospect already implies a willingness to explore a potential relationship. This means that both individuals should have some understanding of each other to determine if they are suitable for dating.

On the other hand, it's also possible to be open to dating people you don't know well and give them a chance to get to know you. However, can this type of dating lead to a meaningful relationship? Is dating strangers the only way to assess someone's compatibility as a partner?

There is a crucial element in keeping the spark of dating alive, and that is socializing. Being social and meeting various people expands our dating opportunities. Going on dates with strangers can be a hit or miss. It may or may not work out, and like any investment, high risks can come with high rewards.

On the contrary, being selective in dating and focusing on getting to know people before asking them out can lead to better prospects while reducing the number of dates. So, how do we meet potential partners?

The answer lies in hanging out!

I know many individuals who are in committed relationships with people they initially went on dates with that led nowhere. They don't want to waste their time and resources on people who are not looking for a committed relationship. Therefore, hanging out has become a strategy for meeting and evaluating people who may be potential prospects.

There are several benefits to hanging out. It provides an opportunity to meet people in a relaxed environment where interested individuals can showcase their personalities without being influenced by biases. It also allows individuals to demonstrate their attributes, talents, and personalities, thereby increasing their value to others beyond physical appearances. Even those who are shy can gain the confidence they need to invite someone of the opposite sex.

However, there are cases where hanging out can be detrimental when it comes to finding a partner. The following questions can help evaluate how we spend our time:

Do we always hang out with the same group of friends?

Do our friends share our values?

Do we actively seek to participate in social activities?

Do we quickly lose interest in people?

The purpose of this post is to show that there is nothing wrong with hanging out with other people, and that this is an effective strategy for finding potential dates. I understand the importance of marriage and the temporal and spiritual growth it provides for people who enter into a temple sealing covenant. However, society and human beings are too complex to define a single strategy that works for everyone. Finding a match depends on one's personality, attractiveness, number of available prospects and other variables.

Ultimately, it is incumbent upon individuals to explore and experiment with various approaches and stick with the one that instills the most confidence, safety, and satisfaction. Attempting something unfamiliar or uncomfortable will only serve to make the process more challenging and, in some instances, demoralizing.

Whether you decide to find your partner among your circle of friends or go out on dates with strangers, in the end, it all depends on your expectations and which method makes you feel better.