Dating is far more indirect in Costa Rican culture than in American society. Costa Rican dating pass through several stages, usually lasting for a long period of time. An engagement, for example, often lasts for several years and marriage is viewed as a lifetime commitment by costa rica singles. Often the starting point of a relationship is a costa rican date. The couple will go out together in public places as friends only and may be accompanied by other friends. During this stage of courting there will be no public displays of affection, the man has to be discreet and friendly or he will be accused of being too arrogant. On the second stage of dating costa rican women and now couples may go out together without the company of their friends or family. Costa Rican ladies cannot afford to be fast, they are expected to be hard to get because it is seen as an appropriate behavior when they are in costa rica dating. Costa rica ladies never shows her admirer that she is also in love with him immediately. Playing hard to get is one way by which the costa rica women can measure the sincerity of the man interested in her. It also lets her show the man that he has to work hard to win her love. Costa rican singles dating may last for years before the woman accepts her man's love and they become married.