Dating & Relationship Advice

There is a saying: ‘It was an overnight success after 20 years’ hard work.’ Sometimes dating can feel like that. Are things taking a bit longer than you thought? Sometimes you go through seasons of not getting messages or replies, or not going on dates. Maybe you begin to feel downhearted about this whole looking-for-love thing. Dating discouragement is real!

‘New year, new me’. We hear this phrase so many times (and sometimes say it!) with New Year’s resolutions. We make health plans, fitness and life goals and, of course, dating ambitions – all ready to start at the stroke of midnight. The excitement and pressure build, the determination is there, but according to the US News and World report, 80% of the New Year’s resolutions fail by February. How are yours going so far?!

Take a moment now to think about the past year. What did you learn about yourself in 2020? What challenges did you face? How did you overcome those challenges? Did you take any risks and if so, what was the outcome? When were you at your happiest? What were your dreams? If you could relive the year, what would you do differently? The answers to these questions will help to guide you in 2021.

As we wave goodbye to 2020 and enter 2021, what lies ahead? While there’s lots going on in the world, one thing doesn’t change – there’s still a strong desire to connect with others. Over the 20 years we’ve been helping single Christians meet, we’ve seen that January is one of the best times of the year to embrace online dating. More people are joining, sending waves, likes and messages in January than at any other time. So, if you’re new to online dating, or are returning after a break, welcome! Now is the perfect time to get started. Here are just some of the things we’ve learned about Christian dating to help you connect successfully.

As 2020 draws to a close, we look back on a challenging and eventful year. The blog posts which made our top 5 for this year reflect the impact that the coronavirus has had on all of our lives. But the message of hope and the determination of people to find love and connection is a common thread.

It’s been a trying year, devastating for some, so as Christmas approaches, how can we end it with gratitude, whatever our circumstances? I confess that I don’t react well when I’m in an emotionally bleak or dissatisfied place and friends suggest that I write a gratitude list or think of things to be thankful for. But that’s my first response. Then I calm down, take the suggestion on board, take out pen and paper and do exactly that. I write down 10 things I’m grateful for and most of the time, it works. Something shifts. And I often end up with many more than 10 things on my list.

Dating during this past year has had unique challenges. We’ve all had to cope with isolation, whether single, newly dating or in a relationship. When I was single and waiting impatiently for God to show me the right man, I found I had many moments of loneliness, impatience, frustration and despair. Christmas accentuated it. Every Christmas, I would say “This is the year I meet my husband,” and for many years I was disappointed. But every year gave me time to prepare, reflect and grow closer to God.

When dating, there are a few things you need to bear in mind to make the process enjoyable and productive as possible. Ultimately, you want to give yourself the best chance of success and achieving what you desire. It can be easy to feel discouraged or give up if things are not going exactly how you want, but don’t lose hope. If you stay the course, you will hopefully reap the rewards and make the most of dating – and enjoy it! Here are 5 tips for doing just that.