Dear Anthony,

What is the difference between courtship and dating? Is the only difference that dating is casual and courtship is exclusive with movement towards engagement? I don't want to date more than one guy at a time, but I might not want to marry that one guy, either. Does this mean we're just dating?

These terms are often used interchangeably, depending on which one the person feels most comfortable using. A Christian person uses the word “courtship”. You never hear a non-Christian use this term at any time. So courtship, just as a term, has meaning and value to a Christian. However, among Christians, you still hear “courtship” and “dating” used interchangeably; indicating that many single people find the terms to mean the same thing. Why would anyone use the term “courtship” when they are simply “dating”?

I believe it is a “feel good” kind of word. Some Christians find the word “dating” to be a negative term due to their secular counterparts using the term excessively. I think a single Christian person using “courtship” to describe ... Read More

I just came across this obituary of a married Catholic couple, Lou and Patricia DeMuro, who died on the same day after 62 years of marriage. It's a real old-fashioned love story.

It is a very touching story. The simplicity in which this couple approached life and each other is inspiring. Their contentment with what life offered them admirable. This couple's story should be what every person should be looking for when it comes to love and marriage. They offer two key ingredients to falling in love and a successful marriage; approaching life with simplicity and contentment.

Sadly, too many people complicate the process and get too demanding when it comes to their expectations of another person, making it almost impossible to find such love. The more qualifications necessary, the less likely to find happiness and share such a life.

It’s also important to realize that they had very humble beginnings and lived a humble life. They were not angry or frustrated about their financial situation. They were accepting of it, made do, and were thankful for their blessings. They ... Read More