The Stephanie Jones Philosophy on Love and Dating

"I want a boyfriend" or "I want a girlfriend." It's the words we've all heard, or perhaps have said ourselves. Everybody these days seem so preoccupied with finding a mate, I never cease to be amazed. It is impossible to turn on the television without being bombarded with people searching for love or crying over a lost love. In my opinion, it's ridiculous. This is the Stephanie Jones Philosophy on Love and Dating.

Now, before I get too far into it, let me tell you I have decided to never get married... or even date. With that bit said, let me tell you why. People these days seem so preoccupied with finding a mate, they forget to have fun in life. All their time is spent worrying about how they are viewed by members of the opposite sex, and, while they are worrying, let some of the best moments in life pass them by. I've resolved to live life to the fullest, and, for me, that is done best without the drama which seems to accompany the mate finding process.

Chances are you've heard the statement I opened with, "I want a boyfriend (or girlfriend)" said by some friend or acquaintance. Notice they did not say "I wish (insert name here) loved me like I love them." Where has the love gone in the dating world? Instead of letting love develop as it is supposed to, it is often rushed by those people wanting to find a mate, often ending in heartache. Why do you think there are so many divorces in the world today? Even in the Christian community, instead of relying on God to find the perfect man or woman, we often go about trying to find love on our own.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying my choice is the one everyone should make, if they did, there would be no human life in a few hundred years. However, I never cease to be amused at the look on friend's and family's faces when I tell them I do not want to get married. In a world in which the main goal in life is to find a mate, the very idea of not having one seems inconceivable.

Now, before you leave thinking I'm just a cynical woman whose been heartbroken one too many times, let me clarify. I am not against marriage. I am, however, against marriage without love. If you are one of the few people who have managed to find real love in this sex crazed world, I am delighted for you. Never loose it. But if you are one of those millions of people who are dating just to be dating, I have one word for you: Stop! Don't fall in love with being in love. You must love the person you are dating, not the idea. Even the apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 7:8 "I say therefore to the unmarried and the widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I."

In summarizing my philosophy, let me say: live life to the fullest, let love find you. If it does not, it was not meant to be. If it does, be sure to cling to it, for it is more precious than anything this world has to offer.