“Going Steady” and The Terror of the Front Porch
I read an article the other day about how young people date now. Apparently, they “swipe left” or “swipe right” on their phones. There is no introduction, no nervousness, and certainly no meeting the parents—at least not at first.
It got me thinking about the Rules of Courtship back in our day.
Do you remember how terrifying it was to knock on the front door? You didn’t just text “I’m here.” You had to walk up the path, ring the bell, and face the ultimate test: The Father.
If you were a young man, you had to have a firm handshake, a clean shirt, and a very clear answer to the question, “What are your intentions?”
And if you were a young woman, you had the “curfew negotiation.” “I want you home by 10:00.” “But Dad, the movie doesn’t end until 9:30!” “Then drive fast.”
We didn’t have “relationships status updates.” We had “Going Steady.” It was a serious contract sealed with a heavy high school ring wrapped in angora wool so it would fit her finger, or a varsity jacket that weighed 10 pounds. It was a simpler time, but in many ways, it felt more significant. You had to earn the right to walk someone home.
Over to You: We are having a great chuckle over in The Gathering Place about strict fathers and curfew disasters. If you have a funny story about “courting” (or being courted!), come log in and tell us. It’s free to join the conversation!