i think its important... it important to know what that person acts like in a regular relationship first. how he/she treats others, their friends, their family. how they react in normal day to day situations, all that stuff is important. if you just start dating, bam instantly, you both may (whether u know it or not) not totally be yourself
you speak wise truths, this time
exactly, and thats what the YPA book brings out. see how they act while in the group settings (etc) before hand.