:To every thing there is a season:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" Ecc 3:1

In this post I'm just trying to discern stages of relationship (comments are welcomed):
I will use the analogy of looking for job in these various relationship stages...just to make it less complicated? =P

1. Friendship: you can go on one-two- or three one on one date with a person if you want to get to know the person more (in general to know the character of a person). - this probably won't be necessary if you hang around in the same circle of friends......

In this stage.........girls.....please be as genuine as possible in imitating Christ or women of the Bible, develop Godly character. wait patiently.
example: Rebekah (Genesis 24:18-21): 1) be generous, 2) be thoughtful, 3) be servant-like.
Ruth- be hard working, be diligent.

Guys: also, please be as genuine as possible imitating Christ.
Character to develop: hardworking, diligent, be initiative (Romans 5:8)
Rules for guys: please always pay- never go on a dutch date (it teaches you about giving)

Fearing God & relationship with God is a must in the individual life.

:: same like with looking for job, guys are basicly looking for the job you want (fits your need, and what you want) before you are applying for one.

2. Dating (or being in a relationship): This is a part when guys take initiative to commit in a exclusive relationship with a woman. In this time, the guy decides whether he likes a character that the women has and would like to know the girl more. In this stage, you adjust to one another.
:: same like with applying for job - like in long job interview process, guys are basicly be in their best behavior while being yourself- always be yourself, but be wise (wise is good character knowing where and how to response & act to certain circumstances), but also trying to impress the girl, seeing whether you and and the girl is a good fit, but also wooing the girl that by the time you want the girl to be your wife, she would say "yes"
Guys.......imagine of how you would apply for the very best job you wanted - be discerning whether the girl has the good wife or mother quality while developing your skills in being Godly husband & father.
Girls.......never settle for less than God's best- see whether he will be good husband, good father, and can provide you with Spiritual guidance focusing on Christ, be a good, generous financial and emotional provider for the family- loving and caring.


3. Engaged: Getting engaged meaning that you put a mark or acknowledgment to family and public that both of you are ready to think about marriage. Time in between engagement and
marriage are used for marriage counseling. This is getting serious, the only time you can back out if you strongly think God is not pleased with your relationship.
Consider both families' values and expectations, whether you can honor your spouse-to-be's parents & siblings, consider going to same church (pick the church you want to go to). Time to plan ahead- plan for marriage, plan for your wedding date, plan for your financial together- etc etc. Also, during this time, the couple priority will shift. The fiances should be a priority more than friends and family....... or at least try adjusting this priority...
Be very honest and open at this time.

4. Marriage: Have a long lasting happily ever-after love :)
Strive for passion, commitment, and intimacy all the time.
Always put God first in your marriage and God will take care of your relationship with one another. Devote time in praying together.

Highly recommended resources:
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/religionsaves/dating
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Your-Marriage-Before-Starts/dp/0310492408
http://www.amazon.com/Before-Plan-Your-Wedding-Plan-Marriage/dp/1416543546

I don't think any of the stages will be easy.....but, with God- all things are possible^^
One friend of mine said the key to a successful marriage is: "give, give, give, give...then take" - give more than what you receive.