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Panel Discussion—Dating

Panel Discussion—Dating

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young women

Purpose

What are your questions about dating? Host a dating panel to learn about developing good relationships and being a righteous influence as you date.

Description

Organize a panel to talk about dating and relationships. Invite a variety of people to be on the panel, such as older couples, newly married couples, and young single adults.

Before the activity, invite youth to write down the questions they would like the panel to discuss. For example:

  • When should I start thinking about developing serious relationships?

  • How do I talk with my parents about dating?

  • Am I supposed to date only other LDS youth?

  • How can I date many different people if the youth in my area think that’s mean or strange?

  • How can I make going on dates less expensive?

  • What are some of the best get-to-know-you group dates?

  • How can I be a righteous influence on those I date?

You might want to give the questions to panel members ahead of time so they can be prepared.

At the beginning of the panel discussion, review the definition of “date” found in the “Dating” section of For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011):

“A date is a planned activity that allows a young man and a young woman to get to know each other better. In cultures where dating is acceptable, it can help you learn and practice social skills, develop friendships, have wholesome fun, and eventually find an eternal companion” (page 4).

It may be helpful to review the entire “Dating” section (pages 4–5) before or during the activity.

More Ideas

  • Dating etiquette—Invite older couples to discuss and demonstrate dating etiquette, including conversation skills, table manners, and tips for starting and ending a date.

  • Planning ahead—Hold an activity to help participants plan dates. Focus on inexpensive or free activities, like free local concerts, watching a movie or playing a board game at someone’s home, or preparing a progressive picnic with each course at a different park. Keep the atmosphere fun and emphasize the value of dating to create lasting friendships.

  • Speed dating—After hearing from the panel, put their advice into practice in a “speed dating” activity. Set up two rows of chairs opposite each other. Boys sit on one side and girls on the other. Each pair visits as if on a date until a set time has passed (usually two or three minutes). Then the participants shift to a new partner and repeat the process.

  • Dating academy—Working with your leaders or parents, develop a “dating academy.” Have classes on topics such as healthy relationships, safeguarding virtue, conversation skills, and so forth. Conclude the activity by having a group date where participants put into practice what they have learned. For more ideas, see Matthew O. Richardson, “The Dating Academy—Sign Up Today!” New Era, Aug. 2014, 26–31.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to date?

  • When have you had a positive experience with dating?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about dating?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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