Each parent is responsible for determining the details of their child's courtship. I don't believe in one single right way to courting. I think it is up to the families involved. The young man's family has a say in the courtship as well. Both sets of parents should be meeting together to discuss their standard for their families and they should also be honest with their children in the process.

I think there comes a time when the parents have to allow the young couple to make decisions in the courtship as well, especially if they are adults.

Some courtships end and the couple parts way. There is still a torn place in the hearts and it is difficult to move forward again. Broken hearts really do take time to heal.

Each set of parents need to pray for discernment also and the young couple needs to be able to receive instruction and correction when necessary. If one parent notices one of the young individuals having control issues or anger problems they need to intervene.

It's all through discernment that these families will know the next step in their courtship. It's different for each family.

~Sisterlisa

But I also had a question about something you said to Teenmom.
"You would only enter into a courting relationship one time in your life. With the man who will be your husband."
I was a bit confused at this since my understanding of courtship is to determine whether the man is to be your future husband or not. I understand that each family has different views of courtship, but this seemed pretty big to me. How can you tell before you have a relationship with someone if they are to be your future spouse? I have seen, what you would call successful courtships, end with the conclusion that it was not God’s will for them to be married. If a courtship ended with anything else but betrothal, what would you call it?

Humbly,
K. J.

PS, when I said “Relationship” towards the beginning, I meant it in the purest of a sense. Meaning a friendship where you can learn more about each other better than a “brother of a friend” etc.