Author Archives: HopefulGirl

“I couldn’t believe it, HopefulGirl,” exclaimed my friend. “We’d gone on several dates, shared a few kisses… then he announced he was trying to decide between me and two other women!”

‘Smile for the camera, HopefulGirl! Say cheese!’

When I took the plunge and joined a Christian dating website, my closest friend, BestGirl, volunteered to be my official photographer, and enthusiastically set about taking dozens of portraits of me in various settings. After much deliberation – and dragging BestGirl’s husband in four times for ‘the male perspective’ – we picked the best three. There was the ‘glam but approachable’ shot at the kitchen table; the ‘cute and smiley’ one by the fire; and the ‘relaxed and fun-loving’ pose in the garden, clutching a glass of wine (‘See, chaps, I’m a girl who knows how to party!’).

‘Hey, HopefulGirl, check out my profile – if you like what you see, let’s chat!’ I clicked through to my fellow cyberdater’s profile. The photos were nice enough, but he’d written nothing to reveal what he was about as a person. ‘Just ask whatever you want to know,’ he insisted. But with so many interesting profiles to browse, this guy had offered nothing to spark my curiosity or make me want to learn more.

‘Dear HopefulGirl. I’ve been on the Christian singles scene for seven years. I regularly go on dates with women who are nice enough, but I’ve never met one who’s quite right for me.’

‘Dear HopefulGirl,’ said the email. ‘I’m in your city next week for work – let’s meet up. How can we not? We’ve been corresponding for longer than some people are married!’

‘Dear HopefulGirl’ said the letter. ‘I’ve dabbled with Christian dating websites and singles events over the years, but I find it rather demeaning – like wearing a sign saying I’m desperate for a man.’

‘Just wait on the Lord, HopefulGirl. I believe He’s got a lovely husband lined up for you.’ That’s what a dear old Christian lady told me one Sunday, as we shared coffee after morning worship. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard it. Many times over the years, well-meaning people told me God had a plan for my life, and had already ear-marked my future husband, ready to be delivered to me at the appointed time.