Amish Dating Questions: Girls ask Boys? Multiple Partners? & More

Answering some questions on the Amish & dating:
Can Amish girls ask boys out for dates?
Can Amish marry non-Amish?
Do Amish youth date multiple partners?
What do Amish women look for in Amish men?
Info via The Lives of Amish Women by Karen M. Johnson-Weiner
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title...
www.amazon.com/Lives-Center-A...
Image credits: Ed C., Jim Halverson, Don Burke (www.flickr.com/photos/ozarkin..., Jerry in PA, videvo.net
My name is Erik Wesner and I'm not Amish. Back in 2004, I met the Amish while selling books. Since then, I've visited 5,000+ Amish homes & dozens of Amish communities. My book on Amish business, Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive, was published in 2010. I run the Amish America website: amishamerica.com/
Related videos:
------------------------
Amish Wedding Questions: Marriage Age? Wedding Rings? & More • Amish Wedding Question...
What about unmarried Amish? • What about unmarried A...
Can Amish divorce? Remarry? • Can Amish divorce? Rem...
Can Amish marry non-Amish? • Can Amish marry non-Am...
Read more:
-----------------
An Amish First Date amishamerica.com/an-amish-fir...
What is Rumspringa? amishamerica.com/what-is-rums...

Пікірлер: 68

  • @lindajc123
    @lindajc123 Жыл бұрын

    Looking "at the heart" and taking your time to decide is better than any predictor of being happy in a marriage.

  • @capricorngirl52405
    @capricorngirl52405 Жыл бұрын

    Looking at the heart of a person is good advice not just for Amish, but for everyone

  • @csnanny1882
    @csnanny1882 Жыл бұрын

    I am friends with an Amish family,they are nice respectful people.

  • @candyrenee2152
    @candyrenee2152 Жыл бұрын

    Very interesting. When I was in a young people's group (not Amish) most of us ran in a group, however, the older young people seemed to start to pair up. I loved the quote about the heart at the end. If you are lucky (blessed) enough to find a kind heart, it is a beautiful thing.

  • @mariayelruh

    @mariayelruh

    Жыл бұрын

    There is lots of socialising among the Amish youth in groups. I see it all the time at Mud Sales and other events.

  • @Hegde-

    @Hegde-

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@mariayelruh Can you tell me what is a 'mud sale'?

  • @stantonmagid4126
    @stantonmagid4126 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Erik always informative and entertaining and educational and interesting. Something to be said for this very conservative way of life

  • @Brandenuzis
    @Brandenuzis Жыл бұрын

    Im married to an Ex amish woman. It was Very different than my previous relationships and obviously it will take a while for her to get used to the new life. It was crazy to hear her side of life because prior I knew absolutely nothing about amish people. Her parents and siblings hate both of us and our daughters obviously because she left the amish and married and English boy😂 been together 5 years now and she’s still getting used to everything and I just taught her how to drive standard she was blown away that my car had heated seats and AC😂

  • @susanschuck8124
    @susanschuck8124 Жыл бұрын

    Great video once again! Thank you

  • @karengunia5451
    @karengunia5451 Жыл бұрын

    Hello Erik! Happy Friday! Thanks for another great video

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you and happy Friday!

  • @cindynielson4231
    @cindynielson4231 Жыл бұрын

    I think the young lady should really watch how the young man treats his Mother and Sisters. To me that shows me what kind of heart he has. TFS 👍

  • @markhaynes9442
    @markhaynes9442 Жыл бұрын

    Great topic. Good job as always, Erik! Have a great day!

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Mark! Credit to Karen Johnson-Weiner for her great concise explanation

  • @Mrsmadison45
    @Mrsmadison45 Жыл бұрын

    ❤ great video

  • @marymartel5187
    @marymartel5187 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Erik! I enjoy your channel and look forward to your videos :)

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mary I am happy you found it:)

  • @lisacraze1
    @lisacraze1 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve never heard the expression “Too willing to crowd the fence”. What does that mean?

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    It's an expression used among Amish meaning basically to test the rules of the church. Sort of an agricultural-rooted metaphor

  • @lisacraze1

    @lisacraze1

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AmishAmerica Thank you!

  • @melissawalker3888
    @melissawalker3888 Жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this video. I am definitely going to try to find Karen Johnson's book. That looks very interesting.

  • @jerriscollins-ruth9019
    @jerriscollins-ruth9019 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Eric

  • @TheMtggrl
    @TheMtggrl Жыл бұрын

    Oh lots of good information here, it's good to know that these young women can say "no" to a date or a potential relationship. My guess is that when they begin to consider relationships, they are already thinking long term and they most likely know what they want and what they will not accept. I have a question for you, do the widows and widowers date or go into other relationships when they have lost a partner? Thanks for sharing Erik.

  • @jeffersonmorant

    @jeffersonmorant

    Жыл бұрын

    That’s so thoughtful of you, Thanks for your positive review,How are you and how’s the weather over there?

  • @kjsaaaaaaaa

    @kjsaaaaaaaa

    Жыл бұрын

    I don't know about all of the Amish, but my neighbors are part of the small local Amish community that include a remarried widow and her husband, also a widower.

  • @jeffersonmorant

    @jeffersonmorant

    Жыл бұрын

    i don't see any reason why they cant give another relationship a trial, I believe in do whatever makes you happy

  • @nickfantini6489

    @nickfantini6489

    7 ай бұрын

    Typical of an evil modern feminist to tarnish what's good.

  • @Melissa0774
    @Melissa0774 Жыл бұрын

    Do they ever travel and live with different communities to try to find someone outside of their home community?

  • @RockinRavenVA

    @RockinRavenVA

    Жыл бұрын

    What a great question! Based on my friendships with the Amish, some young men might travel to a different state to work and meet their future wives there. A lot of Amish youth groups in PA can be spread out over a couple of counties, which requires a lot of weekend trips where they can meet other members of the group who live farther away. Many future couples meet at weddings, where guests often come from out of the area or different states. They will court long-distance if needed.

  • @lanadrummond5542

    @lanadrummond5542

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes I’ve heard they do travel or move to other communities to find a partner. Otherwise they end up marrying into their own family./ cousins etc..

  • @jbrown1384
    @jbrown1384 Жыл бұрын

    Erik, I love your channel. You cover topics I hadn’t even thought of, though I have viewed the amish both up-close and from afar since I was a teenager. Just curious: is your work on Amish life and culture a full-time occupation?

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for asking and I'm happy you found the channel. As far as a full-time occupation, I try to make it that! In conjunction with the website it certainly takes enough time to qualify as full-time. It's just a matter of whether it can pay the bills:) it takes some hustle but so far it has worked out and I feel very fortunate for that and grateful for people's interest

  • @xanthippus9079
    @xanthippus9079 Жыл бұрын

    How interesting! I used to think a boy would get permission to marry a girl if he gave her father a goat and three chickens.

  • @droolbunnyxo9565

    @droolbunnyxo9565

    Жыл бұрын

    On another continent, maybe. I don't believe the Amish operate this way. 🙈!

  • @droolbunnyxo9565
    @droolbunnyxo9565 Жыл бұрын

    It must be difficult finding love & a marriage partner when your choices are pooled within & limited to a small community. On the other hand, your chances of finding someone with similar important core beliefs & ideas is much easier & less stressful. Sometimes you meet someone wonderful, but as you get to know each other you both realize it's like you're from two different planets. And that serious compromises must be made if you want to be together for the long-haul. That's a hard decision to make without dating them for a good while beforehand. So, the Amish probably have the right idea by limiting their community dating choices this way. Albeit, a little unsettling for non-Amish to understand & accept. The Amish simply don't want their culture & way of life diluted or endangered through too much compromise or negative outside influence. Common sense stuff. (A very taboo idea in today's PC world.)

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    Insightful comment.

  • @droolbunnyxo9565

    @droolbunnyxo9565

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AmishAmerica Thank you. Not a popular one, outside of Amish context, but nobody should live their one life by a stranger's social opinions & pressures.

  • @helloeveryone540
    @helloeveryone5406 ай бұрын

    I love the purity and sophistication that characterize Mennonite and Amish women, and I hope to marry an Amish girl Can anyone tell where and how to find Amish woman?

  • @rebelliousraven
    @rebelliousraven Жыл бұрын

    This is good advice Amish or no

  • @oldfarmshow
    @oldfarmshow Жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @spencerchartier2677
    @spencerchartier2677 Жыл бұрын

    I’m curious how amish View Members of the community with physical or mental disabilities if the person would benefit more from going to a specialized school would that be allowed

  • @RockinRavenVA

    @RockinRavenVA

    Жыл бұрын

    Jumping in here - the Amish are incredibly loving and compassionate toward people with disabilities and they do indeed have dedicated schools and a lot of inpatient and outpatient programs to address their needs. I'm sure Eric could add a lot more.

  • @JSAC66
    @JSAC66 Жыл бұрын

    This subject covered “young folk”, but what about young (or youngish) widows/widowers? Also, do senior citizens ever remarry after losing a partner? And another also, have you talked about divorce, is it EVER accepted?

  • @susiecox8413
    @susiecox8413 Жыл бұрын

    Another good topic! If they become a couple but live in different states how is it decided where they live when they marry? Is it a joint decision or pretty much they live where the guy is from....

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    No that definitely varies. Might be where there is more opportunity as far as work or just where the couple feels more comfortable (family ties, etc)

  • @samueltrm
    @samueltrm Жыл бұрын

    Hey Erik I was curious what do you think of Jamesport Missouri. My mom and I are traveling to Missouri to visit family and we are planning to stay in Jamesport Missouri during the time we are there. My mom has been there before but its been many years.

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    I have not visited there myself but have heard good things about it and have featured that community on the website several times. Don Burke whose photos I often use in vids knows it well and has shared in multiple posts. I have the impression of a fairly progressive (in Amish terms) and friendly community. These posts might be useful if you're thinking to go: amishamerica.com/amish-jamesport-missouri/ amishamerica.com/marie-graber-on-jamesport-amish-tourism-and-more/ amishamerica.com/stay-on-an-amish-homestead-doddy-house/

  • @mustluvseinfeld4444
    @mustluvseinfeld4444 Жыл бұрын

    Very interesting, thank you! I’m now wondering what happens with Amish people (male & female) if they don’t find a suitable mate? 🤔

  • @droolbunnyxo9565

    @droolbunnyxo9565

    Жыл бұрын

    Erik has spoken about this in previous videos & it's interesting too. They live within the community as accepted bachelors & spinsters, no judgements. If I recall correctly :)

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes this vid goes into it, it does happen. Since marriage and family are the Amish ideal they are a bit sidelined in some sense, for lack of a better word but in healthy situations still can find a fulfilling place in Amish society kzread.info/dash/bejne/nIaGtKNrk6Xagqg.html

  • @mustluvseinfeld4444

    @mustluvseinfeld4444

    Жыл бұрын

    @@AmishAmerica Thank you, I’ll check it out! Yes, sidelined sounds like an appropriate description 🥰

  • @janetslater129
    @janetslater129 Жыл бұрын

    Interesting. What about those who are widowed? Are they allowed to date and re-marry?

  • @kristine778
    @kristine778 Жыл бұрын

    Sensible order can bring beauty. One can only imagine how many unhappy marriages such would save from ever happening in the first place. Please do not add to or take from the statement - of course it is not exhaustive. For the person looking for a problem, save yourself needlesss ire. 😊

  • @stevehartman1730
    @stevehartman1730 Жыл бұрын

    There is very little casual dating among the Amish/plain faith. You must quietly ask her father in secret if the father has no objection then He will ask Har if she would be interested if she says no then the Father would say no. He may put a time limit on when he may ask again as the young fella may have things to work out in their life. The Father can never say never as only God can say never. The weddings and receptions cost as bout $100. As everyone helps out.

  • @Lost_AtSea_
    @Lost_AtSea_ Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating! You should touch base on being single in the Amish community. I have seen older Amish men traveling alone on their buggies without a beard. Is this a common thing as well?

  • @SantaFe19484
    @SantaFe19484 Жыл бұрын

    Do the Amish believe that kissing and holding hands must wait until marriage?

  • @cm9859
    @cm9859 Жыл бұрын

    Very odd the Amish are so traditional in many ways, but yet "bundling" allows Amish to lay in bed at night clothed? As well, Amish teenagers have a year or two period for them to go out in the English world and explore it. Deciding if they want to stay Amish or not? I feel Amish really seem like a cult. Good people but some of their customs don't make sense. Many groups or offshoots too have changed ways in how they live and dress and using electricity and farming equipment? Why so strick in every aspect of daily living in Amish communities but also being allowed to change these rules too?

  • @JosephTurcotte117
    @JosephTurcotte117 Жыл бұрын

    Amish women look plain, so you're not supposed to find them attractive, or they may cause trouble in the community. The problem is that you can't make an attractive woman plain, and so, they can't control what problems they cause, and this is only furthered by the general plainness of the females among them. I feel that it becomes increasingly difficult for attractive females to remain in the community, and thus, Amish males are tempted by outside society by reason of their baser instincts, although not without reason. This presents a problem for the Amish community in general if they allow ANY experimentation, and has in reaction probably promoted general reactivity and thus tradition for several centuries now.

  • @sticking202
    @sticking202 Жыл бұрын

    hello can i marry a amish woman

  • @noahriding5780
    @noahriding5780 Жыл бұрын

    Mainstream communites in the US, particularly church communities should hear that part about how its frowned upon or should be to be dating many people at the same time. That's just common sense. But I've heard of people doing that a lot and it feels kind of shady.

  • @Stache987
    @Stache987 Жыл бұрын

    So if the youth only date, do widows and widowers not remarry and have to raise the remaining children?

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    The courting aspect is a lot more discreet - they might start a pen friendship. But Amish widows and widowers do remarry, it's not uncommon

  • @joerudnik9290
    @joerudnik9290 Жыл бұрын

    Trouble is, all men are wonderful before you marry them; or you wouldn’t MARRY them.

  • @pkodani72
    @pkodani72 Жыл бұрын

    Amish woman are HOT 🔥 lol

  • @rodneyleon3645
    @rodneyleon3645 Жыл бұрын

    Look up the pronunciation of Indigenous.

  • @debluetailfly

    @debluetailfly

    Жыл бұрын

    endogamous

  • @AmishAmerica

    @AmishAmerica

    Жыл бұрын

    endogamous [ en-dog-uh-muhs ] adjective of or relating to the practice of allowing marriage only within a specific tribe, caste, ethnic or religious group, or other social unit