How many times should you at least see someone as friends before dating them?

[Anonymous]

Updates:

[btbc92]

As LONG AS you NEED TO. I say give it about 2 years or 3 IDEALLY. A year the least. And then start IF:

1. You two are CLEAR about what the rules are and what is expected in this friendship. No DATING. If you're hanging out, hang out and get to know each other as friends.
and
2. You ask all the questions you want and need to ask concerning dating as if you were out on a typical date.
BONUS: If you are a believer in God, make SURE he approves!!!

What you should be asking each other before dating, by category. Remember these are age-appropriate questions and differ from a child or teen. And yes, they are PERSONAL QUESTIONS. But the more info you know, the better you can at determining if you want a relationship with them or not. This is also situational too: (BOLD is important must-have questions! Never hop into dating without asking)

1. Why do you want to date me? And what are you dating for? When did you decide you wanted to date? How do you view dating should be? Courtship, casual or serious?
2. Did you have prior experience in dating before? If so, when was the last time you had one? What happened if it didn't work out?
3. What are your dating expectations that I should know about if we are to be dating?
4. Do you have a background of abuse? Have you been an abuse victim? Bully victim? Rape victim? etc. Would there be a problem or dealbreaker if I have or had this problem?
5. What do you hope for the future ( now that we are living in these times)?
6. (If in school): What kind of job/career do you want to have or is pursuing? (If working): What kind of job do you do? Do you enjoy it? If not, what do you think could be improved or make it more enjoyable? Would you switch careers if you could or should? If you have problems, would you go back to school if possible and or learn a new trade?
7. How is your education and what was it like? Were there some highlights you enjoyed? Something you hated? Did you do good academically? If not, how did you change and what did you learn from those experiences? Do you think that what I have is enough? If not, what would be your advice to me if we were to be serious?
8. What is your overall stance on leadership? What type of person do you think qualifies for a leader, or follower?
9. What about politics? Any particular stance or views we should address that will affect the relationship?
10. Religion? Faith? Beliefs?
11. What are your views about sex? Do you believe in premarital sex is okay or not before marriage? Are YOU waiting for marriage to have sex? Do you expect me to wait or have sex before marriage? If waiting, then when are you planning or hoping to be married? Do you think you can handle waiting that long or is there a problem your struggling with? If not waiting, then what are your views regarding abortion and birth control? The number of partners and sexual experience?
13. How about marriage? Do you believe in a prenup? If so/not why? Do you believe marriage is ordained, called, something people do when in-love, a government-controlled institution, etc? (If older) Were you ever married? Do you have a healthy view of it?

[moonpie89]

Zero. You can date someone without being friends first.

[Kaneki05]

Up to you really. I usually like to be friends with someone for about 4 weeks before i think of anything more if i get to know them well that is.
It really depends how much you've talked and feel like you know them. There isn't exact date or time needed.

[reptocarl2]

There are no rules

[tjbyrd39]

Zero if you can handle yourself

[Iron_Man]

0 it doesn't matter