This document discusses dating and relationships. It defines dating as a planned activity between two people, traditionally arranged by males, to engage in socialization, recreation, and mate selection. The document provides dos and don'ts for dates, such as being attentive to your partner and avoiding speaking about past relationships. It examines theories of physical and emotional attraction, noting that physical attraction draws initial interest but compatibility and shared interests promote long-term relationships.

1. UNIT 4: RELATIONSHIPS
PART 1: WHAT IS DATING?
© Jenison International Academy
Melissa Rodgers

2. What do you think of when you
hear the word “dating”?
Do you have positive or negative
feelings?
Think about a date or a dream
date, what are you looking for?

3. WHAT IS DATING?
A prearranged planned activity between two
people
Traditionally arranged by the male.
Only a date when one asks the other to share an
activity.

4. PURPOSES OF DATING
1. Socialization:
To develop appropriate social skills
To practice getting along with others in different
settings
2. Recreation
To have fun and enjoy the companionship of others
To try new and different activities.
3. Mate Selection
To see others in many different settings
To compare the personality and characteristics of
many people

5. DO’S ON A DATE:
1. Be concerned with your date’s comfort
2. Be able to carry on a conversation
3. Be able to ask questions
4. Stay attentive to your date
5. Show respect for the other person
6. Be yourself: be genuine

6. DON’TS ON A DATE
1. Speaking freely of past relationships
2. Be oblivious to the partner’s needs
3. Be unfamiliar with the rules of etiquette
4. Pointing out faults
5. Dominating the topic
6. Pretending to know everything

7. LAW OF ATTRACTION
There is a simple explanation for why we are
attracted to certain people and not to others.
We are likely to be attracted to not only people who
offer us positive reinforcement, but also people who
are associated with positive events or qualities
(meeting someone at summer camp)

8. LAW OF ATTRACTION
Conversely, we are not likely to feel attracted to the
people who supply negative reinforcement or those
associated with negative events or qualities. (you
are probably not attracted to someone who criticizes
you)

9. THERE ARE 2 THEORIES ABOUT WHY
PEOPLE CHOOSE EACH OTHER:
1. Homogamy or like attracts like. Having similar
interests, backgrounds, goals, families,
education, etc.
2. Complementary Needs, we are attracted to
someone who is our temperamental opposite.
Choosing someone who is competent in areas we
are not, and weak in areas where we are strong.
BUT, trouble occurs when people are looking for
their missing parts

10. WHAT IS PHYSICAL
ATTRACTION?
1. Have you ever heard the saying, “Beauty is in the
eye of the beholder”. It means that different people
find different physical qualities attractive, giving us
lots of opportunity to be attracted to others.

11. WHAT IS PHYSICAL
ATTRACTION?
2. In the process of dating, physical attractiveness
initially plays an important role. For example,
researchers have found physical attractiveness is
one of the most important traits related to frequency
of being asked out on a first date.

12. WHAT IS PHYSICAL ATTRACTION?
3. Physical appearance is not everything. In the
long run, physical attractiveness is not important in
developing or sustaining a good relationship. It may
get you a date, but it will not get you a long-term
happy relationship.

13. LOVE VS. INFATUATION
Infatuation is based on instant desire. You are
concerned with meetings your own basic needs.
Couples can be happy in this stage for a long time,
but the flame of infatuation can only burn for so
long. Either the couple continues the relations
(healthy, give and take) and they grow together or
the flame burns out and they go their separate
ways.

14. LOVE VS. INFATUATION
 Love is a giving relationship. Each partner gives of
themselves in many different ways, beyond the
basic emotional and physical desires. Love grows
steadily over time.