- The first couple months are truly a blessing. You finally have been able to show her the full extent of how much you actually enjoy her company, you can hold hands and even kiss if you have the conviction for it. The time you spend together won't plague you with guilt because you didn't fellowship with other Disciples.
- After awhile, you tend to let your guard down around each other. I wouldn't suggest this at all. I'm married and I still fight to act as gentlemanly as possible around her. The opinions you share about her at this point in time starts to build the base as to how successful your dating life will be. Successful dating is defined as breaking up and still being great friends, or getting married and becoming greater friends.
- Take your time when you are dating. It isn't pre-engagement, so don't treat it like it. You are dating to figure out if you like being a steady dating partner to her. Engagement is about figuring out if you could actually be married to each other. The only warning I have about this is in some cultures you date because you actually will get married, so consult the local cultural authorities about this.
- When you have problems, don't leave until you feel some sort of resolution has been made. If this is not possible, go pray together and then make it a point to get together with a couple at church who can help your dating relationship, as soon as possible. The more time you allow things to fester and eat at the two of you, the more it will become an issue in the future.
- Make it fun. Be creative about your dates, involve others in your dates, and most of all, encourage your girlfriend the whole time. The more you go out on dates, the more you have the opportunity to have others share in the company of you two, the more others will support your relationship. Use your relationship to glorify God. Double with non-disciples, and impact them with your radical standard on purity and dating.
24 January 2007
My Bullets for Dating
When dating you have to consider a few things:
