The purpose of dating is to get to know the core character of the person before deciding whether to pursue them seriously. Men and women both have different approaches and perspectives when searching for the romantic chemistry in dating. Men first look at physical attraction, then emotional attachment, and then finally spiritual connection while women look first for emotional attachment and then physical attraction.
However, it is only through the spiritual connection where you can truly learn about who the person is. The character is comprised of love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, patience, and self-control. Once you can determine what attributes the person has, then you can decide what kind of person they are and if there is a connection or not. You can always find a person that makes you feel good at any time and call it chemistry, but it is only true chemistry when the person is good and right for you.
Religious beliefs, family values, situational behavior, respect for others, and respect for you are the most important aspects of a person you are dating that you need to find out. If you do not share religious beliefs, you need to think about how it will affect you dating him or her in the future in regards to family life and how the family will be raised. Also, family values are important to know as well, otherwise, it will be a constant struggle while raising a family. How the person can handle him or herself in regards to success, failure, death, and adversity is important to know as well. Most of all, he or she should be able to respect you and other people around you.
In order to establish a healthy friendship before intimacy comes in, remember to establish relationship boundaries, for example, no sex, no late night movies, and no disrespect towards one another. Remember not to cross these boundaries once they have been set. Avoid talking about controversial topics in the relationship, however, communicate to your partner regularly about your feelings and desires in the relationship and identify accountability partners. Enjoy the learning process of your partner.
