To me, dating is about getting to know someone to see if you're compatible for a longer term relationship (see The Definition of Dating for more). So it would make sense that eventually, dating couples would either take their relationship to the next level or end it.
In today's society however dating couples are the norm, not the exception. Most folks living together are doing so out of wedlock (according to stats from several North American countries), and our definition of what a relationship is has changed dramatically.
Still, folks are getting engaged and subsequently marrying - and sometimes, that choice comes when life throws a wrench into your plans.
I've been watching the news obsessively about the trapped Chilean miners, and have watched the footage of them slowly being raised to the earth's surface one by one. I'm moved to tears constantly and inspired by their bravery and zest for life. Two of the miners caught my attention more so than others: Esteban Rojas and Claudio Yanez. Why? Because both men were content with their unusually long term dating relationships before their ordeal (25 years and 11 years respectively), and both proposed to their girlfriends upon rescue.
I don't wish the Chilean miner's situation upon anyone, but I do wonder: if all of us were placed in a similar position tomorrow, would we change our dating relationships?
Related: First of the Trapped Miners in Chile Brought to Surface, Should I Take This Relationship To the Next Level or End It?
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