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Does Waiting Make Love Stronger? The Link Between Dating Duration, Intimacy, and Lasting Relationships
Have you ever heard any of the following?
1. Go on dates with someone for a period of 90 days before ever considering having sex.
2. Go on dates with someone for a period of 6 months before ever considering having sex.
3. Go on dates with someone for a period of 9 months before ever considering having sex.
Why do I ask this? Well, the persons who told me that they go on dates for six to nine months before ever having sex with the person they are dating, swore to me that this lead to a marriage proposal.
And you guessed it, the person who waited 3 months said that they wished that they had waited and got to know the person better.
Why do I ask this? To gage what you might think.
The idea of waiting a certain amount of time before becoming physically intimate with someone you’re dating sparks plenty of debate. People often wonder if waiting longer leads to stronger, more successful relationships. Let’s dive into what the statistics and research say about the connection between dating duration, long-term relationships, and marriage outcomes.
What Statistics Say About Longer Dating Before Marriage
1. Longer Courtships Often Lead to Stronger Marriages
Studies have shown that couples who date for a longer period before getting married tend to have more stable and satisfying marriages. For example, a study by Emory University found that couples who dated for at least three years before tying the knot were 39% less likely to divorce than those who dated for less than a year. Longer dating periods allow couples to build a solid foundation of trust, communication, and compatibility before making a lifelong commitment.
2. Getting to Know Each Other Reduces Risk
Research suggests that the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship, where everything feels perfect, typically lasts around six months to a year. During this time, couples often focus on the positives and overlook potential red flags. Extending the dating period allows time for the honeymoon phase to fade and for both individuals to see each other’s true…
