This excerpt is taken directly from my Novel: (Suitable Singles: Every Single Decision Matters)

 

Speaking of the next phase, let’s address acquaintance. According to the dictionary, it is defined as, “Personal knowledge of a person with whom one is acquainted.” This is interesting because most of us who have mated wrong had already gained personal knowledge before the end of the first date—which is why our enemy knew how to manipulate us.

 

Speaking of manipulating, I learned recently that there are a lot of men not even wanting to give a woman their proper name. They would rather be known by an alias or a nickname. They are afraid that you will be able to download vital information on them, so they don’t even bother with telling you their full name. For some women, this is a definite clue that he is up to no good. For other women who choose to proceed with allowing this kind of person in their lives, they will find out later that they should have heeded the warning. Beware! If he’s not honest about who he is then, he’s ashamed of who he is. The question is, why? Don’t let this person into your life—he’s not ready to be there.

 

In the acquaintance phase of mating, you are simply getting to know each other. Don’t assume you already know each other. Just because a person seems one way, that doesn’t mean they are that way. In this phase, take the time to watch, talk, and listen to the person. Remember, this person is not your friend, yet they must earn that place in your life. Even though you don’t consider them a stranger anymore, that doesn’t mean they mean you well. Do your homework before you let them closer to your life. Take all the time you need to pray and assess who they are, then proceed with caution. This is a critical phase because, during this stage, you are establishing trust and creating the pathway to move into a friendship.

 

After you have prayed and heard from God about this person, and assessed his/her authenticity, then you can proceed to the friendship phase.

 

Reference:

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. (1994). Tenth Edition. Springfield, MA