I've decided that I need to be a bit more open with my 17 year olds girlfriend.. The fact that my boys are very picky about who they "date" and have certain qualities they look for and won't date someone with less than those that we have instilled says a LOT.. If my son feels he should bring this young lady home, I should make her feel welcome and love her as I love my son.. Who's to say that he won't marry her.. One more year and he's going to be out on his own.. He's looking for his helpmeet.. This girl is absolutely amazing and we love her.. I want my son to go to college or at least have his feet in a career before he marries.. ALL the kids know that it's best, but in the end, it's all his choice.. I can direct him to the road I want him on, it's up to him to stay on that path.. Group dating is basically what we do.. It's dating but NEVER alone.. My boys are committed to purity and are leaders in the church we attend. Just because we allow them to date verses courting doesn't mean they are having sex.. Purity is very important and learning self control, never putting yourself in the situation where that is compromised is also important.. We have worked very hard to instill values and morals into our kids. Dating or courting,either way, the expected end result is the same..
