Dear Bálint,

This is actually an important question.

In our culture, people tend to ignore God and His will regarding (male/female) relationships, at their own peril and to their own detriment. Premarital dating or what are now called relationships are cultural constructs; and unlike the relationships of family or friends, they are not found in Scripture nor in most of the tradition.

There are a few basic things to keep in mind regarding this:

• God created the institution of Marriage so that the two may become one, with the possibility of becoming more (in children).
• Male/female courtship should be for the sake of discerning marriage; it should not be for temporarily using each other for emotional, psychological, or physical desires.
• Hence, dating or being in a relationship before one is thinking about marriage, or if one is not looking to marry, is inappropriate.
• Nothing should ever be done to sexually arouse either party before marriage. Sex is moral and good only within marriage.
• Hearts should be guarded to a certain degree before a marriage commitment is made.
  
• Marriage does not occur until both parties freely consent to life-long fidelity and openness to children, in the presence of a priest or deacon, two other witnesses, and the community that is invited to the wedding.
• Once the marriage has been consented to and consummated, it is indissoluble, which means it is unbreakable until the death of one of the parties.
• This life-giving love that is exclusive and permanent in nature is a reflection of the (Christ/Church) relationship as well as the eternal dynamic of the inner life and love of the Trinity.

I hope this helps.

Peace,

Paul