Dating, Love, and Marriage

This week in class we discussed dating, love and marriage. When dating we have been guided by Elder Oaks to the 3 P steps to dating. Paired off, planned ahead, and paid for. These are the guidelines in which we are to follow. Someone in class mentioned the comparison they have to the divine roles and duties of a husband and father. They are protect, preside, and provide. They match up with the dating steps. Paired off -> protect, planned ahead -> preside, and paid for -> provide. This is a model that if we will follow while dating it will continue through the marriage, making it stronger.
Another thing we talked about was the different types of love. They are agape, eros, storge, and philia. Agape is having love for someone without necessarily liking them. Eros is the passionate love. Storge is love between a parent and child. Philia is the friendship, brotherly love. Everyone thinks that eros which is the passionate, romantic love, and that this love is the key to a marriage and relationship. This love is often idealized in movies and on TV. It is a important to have this love but it is important to have all the types of love within a marriage to make it strong and long lasting.
An aspect of marriage that we discussed that I have never really thought about before is the fact of consecration in marriage. It is important for the couple to put everything they have on the table and become as one. Not only including material things but also time, and talents. I have seen many couples that live parallel lives meaning that the man has the money, and his toys; then the women has the house and kids. This couple is living their lives separate from each other and not working together as a unit, or as one.
One last thing: it was mentioned how God gives us commandments and tells us to do this, and don't do that. He does all of this as a guide to us. He knows what is best for all of us, and knows that if we follow his council we will be happier, and more blessed. This also helps to prevent many problems that might arise in our lives. We just need to trust in the Lords wisdom and do as he asks.