Courting is the Way to Go

After contemplating my last few dating relationships, I've come to the conclusion that the popular approach to them is not for me. None of them have made me feel genuinely good, through all of them I have felt smothered in some way. I always was trying to please the other, afraid to speak up and be myself, often neglecting my friends, forced to deal with constant prodding for some kind of physical attention (such as hand holding or a kiss), and being unable to think of anyone or anything else. It was not fun looking back, though I couldn't see that then. Do all relationships have to be like that? I hope not. I've heard of a few people who have had a contrastingly pleasant experience when it came to dating, only they called it courting. Courting is a bit like dating, except a whole lot different. There is a rather strict set of rules that goes along with it that various from couple to couple really. Some take it to the exreme, absolutely no touching of any kind and no alone time whatsoever. Others can be more lenient, maybe holding hands or hugging prior to marriage with maybe a few private moments while taking a walk through the park. I am not an extreme person, so neither of these options would quite fit my style, but a combination could suffice. Therefore, my idea of a perfect relationship is one which includes no touching except maybe the occasional, friendly hug (but that's it, I've learned that I'm Way to sentimental to even allow hand holding) and allowing for a few "alone" dates to public places. I wouldn't want to be alone in the car with the person, at least not at night, because that's the pretty much the opposite of a public place, and I would want to get to know the person for several months at the least, perferably a year or two, before getting engaged or married. It sounds kind of harsh perhaps, but I'm not willing to have another pointless relationship. There are more important things I need to focus on in this life, and I don't need a bunch of boys distracting me from those things. I believe that if I'm even supposed to get married, then I'll run into to one for me, so it seems like a waste of time and effort for me to go out looking and trying out all the ones available through dating. So, conclusion being, courting is what I choose, and I will not settle for anything other.

I just felt the need to share my resolution about this so that I can solidify my decision even more, so thanks to anyone who chose to read it. I hope I wasn't too much of a bore.