I noticed something. Local et al. seem to think it's ok to have relations a few months into a relationship. I'm not of that opinion. I think you can still keep your guard up during the courting phase. In fact, that's what should be doing. Perhaps, I'm old school to you young folks. However, I believe that a nonphysical relationship is imperative during courtship. How else can you get to know someone, properly? I realize this process should be short for religious reasons (like The-Screw poignantly said), and you can never truly know someone. Dating is somewhat deceptive, I mean you only see them looking their best and rarely if ever tested with stress. I haven't seen great outcomes among marriages that were quick to start, especially among those of my generation and younger. Many have ended marriages just as quickly as they started them. I think a one-year minimum is important, but not beyond three- years. Then you're just coasting. I agree with gegiroor when it comes to this.