If I’m 18—a young single adult—but have never dated, do I start by group dating or single dating?
This is an interesting question, because it assumes that leaving the Young Men or Young Women program may signal the beginning of the single-dating era of your life. For the Strength of Youth says, “Do not date until you are at least 16 years old. … When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates” (24–25). Somewhere between 16 and the age when you’re considering marriage, you will probably start going on single dates. But regardless of your age, if you haven’t dated before, it may still be a good idea to go in groups to start out with, because it’s less awkward, there’s less pressure, and there’s more opportunity to learn social skills. As always, it’s good to talk to your parents about it. Other resources: Q&A (group dating) , New Era, Aug. 1998.
