I'll never say that dating is not hard work. Like any relationship, things get difficult at some point, but I find that things are more difficult in a dating relationship because you are making the second most important decision in your life, whom you will marry (choosing to follow Christ is the most important one!).
After my second serious relationship ended, I learned that I let more things slip than I should have. My tendency is to overlook things, thinking that I'm being righteous in giving the other person more rope without properly addressing the issues. This doesn't help anybody grow in character or maturity.
It's also hard for me to know when to validate my emotions because I tend to invalidate the negative ones and disregard them as wrong. My emotions tell me lots, and it's good to pay attention, especially to the negative emotions. And especially if those emotions are not a regular thing.
Another thing that I grew to appreciate more is the valuable counsel of the authority figures in my life. I asked for wisdom, and God gave generously, as he promises in His Word (James 1:5). I know the people who love me the most are willing to say the hard things, and I must be willing to humbly listen.
My wonderful mentor sent me the following article to help me evaluate my dating relationships, and it has been super helpful.
http://garrettkell.com/12-topics-to-talk-over-before-you-get-engaged/
I have been super blessed by the Lord, and I feel His peace once again as I look forward to the days ahead and long for the day of Christ's return. :)
After my second serious relationship ended, I learned that I let more things slip than I should have. My tendency is to overlook things, thinking that I'm being righteous in giving the other person more rope without properly addressing the issues. This doesn't help anybody grow in character or maturity.
It's also hard for me to know when to validate my emotions because I tend to invalidate the negative ones and disregard them as wrong. My emotions tell me lots, and it's good to pay attention, especially to the negative emotions. And especially if those emotions are not a regular thing.
Another thing that I grew to appreciate more is the valuable counsel of the authority figures in my life. I asked for wisdom, and God gave generously, as he promises in His Word (James 1:5). I know the people who love me the most are willing to say the hard things, and I must be willing to humbly listen.
My wonderful mentor sent me the following article to help me evaluate my dating relationships, and it has been super helpful.
http://garrettkell.com/12-topics-to-talk-over-before-you-get-engaged/
I have been super blessed by the Lord, and I feel His peace once again as I look forward to the days ahead and long for the day of Christ's return. :)
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