ELONGATED COURTSHIP

Courtship can simply be defined as a period in which potential couples get to know themselves well, find out each others weaknesses and learn to adjust or accommodate them, where necessary. It is a time for promising couples to think very well and make up their minds as to whether they can spend the rest of their lives together.

However, one basic issue is the question of how long a courtship should last. One cannot state categorically or emphatically how short or long a certified courtship should last, but it should not linger till when those concerned begin to get stuck or tired of each other, and it should not last longer than when they have both known each other well and have decided to spend the rest of their lives together.

Moreover, less than nine percent of elongated courtships translate into marriages, and more than ninety percent end up in the trash as wasted efforts. The reason is not far fetched; one reason could be that it was never intended to lead into a life time affair. This is to say that many relationships have no element of sincerity, and are simply products of immaturity; many people go into relationships with people they sometimes love, but know that they can not marry.

Another reason probably could be that there is nothing to anticipate for in marriage, that is the prospects; some times because all that will be done in marriage have already been done in courtship, or a clear understanding that there is no promising future with the partner.

Sometimes, parents mentality of wanting the best for their children could also be an hinderance; most times, suitors come in multiples, but parents are not just welcoming, simply because they feel that the proposed individual is not best for their child. Parental views are very helpful and useful, but one basic thing parents must always keep in mind is that no matter how much they love their children, they are not in the position of choosing a life partner for them, their role is simply that of guidiance and counselling.

Finally, one of the most consistent and un-important factor generally advanced is that of Monetary constrain. This factor is un-important because wedding is simply the joining together of the bride and the groom to become couple, and not a mandatory ceremony that has to create an iresistably, noticeable scene. After the wedding comes the most important thing, which is marriage and this is what you should have prepared for during your courtship.

In summary, any one who is not ready for marriage should not go into courtship, and any one who is tired of courtship should come out of it, before it is too late.