At least, that's what Enchanted tells us a date is.
But really, what is a date?
Dictionary.com provides us with two related definitions:
- a social appointment, engagement, or occasion arranged beforehand with another person: to go out on a date on Saturday night.
- a person with whom one has such a social appointment or engagement: Can I bring a date to the party?
So, grocery shopping with your roommate? That can be a date? I think a better description of the kind of date we're talking about comes from Elder Dallin H. Oaks' infamous talk, "Dating versus Hanging Out". He says, "A “date” must pass the test of three p’s: (1) planned ahead, (2) paid for, and (3) paired off."
If it passes the three p's, it's a date.
Here's what I want to know. Why do we have to have the three p's test? What happened to traditional "asking someone on a date"? Shouldn't we know that dates are dates instead of wondering if what we're on is actually a date?
One question, not related to this blog at all except for its design, how do you get the tabs at the top of the blog, you know, the ones that go to "home, preface, meet brad, meet elise, etc"?
ReplyDeleteI am loving this blog... also intrigued by the concept of 3P's! As someone about to head into the world of 'Wedded-bliss' the world of dating suits for comical relief, rather than a need to teach myself how to do better! Hoorah for such a great blog!!!
ReplyDelete:) Hazel
Hazel, I'll bet that does change your perspective a little bit. :P
ReplyDeleteAimee, I'll send you a message on FB later. :)
Actually, what it says in "Dating Versus Hanging out" is "Men have the initiative, and you men should get on with it. If you don’t know what a date is, perhaps this definition will help. I heard it from my 18-year-old granddaughter. A “date” must pass the test of three p’s: (1) planned ahead, (2) paid for, and (3) paired off." (emphasis added)
ReplyDeleteThe point of the article was to encourage singles (men in particular) to ask women on dates more often. --But, not all dates are "paid for" in that some dates are free, and some dates can be planned an hour before they take place. Try for instance calling someone and asking them if they would like to go for a walk with you downtown.
To answer your question, Elise: If you ever wonder if it's a date, just ask if you can call it one--if nothing else you'll get to know the other person a little better by their response.