Dating & Relationships

First dates are wonderful opportunities to meet potential partners. They can also be filled with pitfalls. We may be nervous, excited or so keen for things to work out that we overlook clear warning signs. So, what first date red flags do we need to look out for?

Most of us have some ‘bad date’ experiences and stories that we can tell for entertainment. I know that I have had my fair share of them, from being told not to wear sunglasses (despite it being sunny), to being taken to a bug taxidermy museum (I don’t like bugs!), to becoming an agony aunt on a first date and afterwards being told I didn’t give said person a chance! These dates can be added to life experience and dating experience and we can move onwards and upwards from them, but there’s always that feeling of disappointment. So, what happens if a date doesn’t go to plan? How can you move on from dating disappointment?

It’s always a joy to share the encouraging stories couples who’ve met on Christian Connection send in. Each story is unique – a coming together of two people who would never have met without that first (brave!) wave or message. Or without first taking the leap and becoming a member! As we reach the end of the year, here are just a handful of the couples who’ve shared their #MetOnCC stories and lots of great advice for Christian Connection members, as well as what we’ve noticed helps to make a lasting connection.

Making the first move can feel like a big deal. Whether you’re new to Christian Connection or been a member before, there’s now a new way to show your interest and start a conversation. Once you’ve uploaded your photos and spent some time perfecting your profile it’s time to take the next step and reach out to someone you like. If hitting that message button feels daunting, don’t worry! Our new profile and photo reactions make it easy and stress free to make that first connection and let someone know you’d like to get to know them.

Today, having a deep, meaningful and strong connection with someone is a rare thing. We have so many distractions around us – social media, work, various screens and a never ending ‘to do list’. Our strongest connection can sometimes be with our smartphone rather than with God or with actual people. This doesn’t have to be the case. An early connection after meeting online can be nurtured and cultivated into something precious right from when you first start dating and as your relationship develops.

From overcoming scepticism about online dating to the restrictions of long distance connections, even the greatest love stories can get off to a bumpy start! When #MetOnCC couples share their stories, they start from the first nervous wave, like or message through to proposals, weddings and their changed lives together. Be encouraged by their honesty, openness and faithfulness as each unique couple relives the journey from strangers who share a faith to spouses who share a future.

“I had a friend who had also been on an online Christian dating site and had met her husband, and she encouraged me to go…” Lauren joined Christian Connection with the hope of a similar connection. She didn’t yet know Kevin, who was soon to prepare his own dating profile and begin his search! “I was ready for marriage,” Kevin said, “I knew what I was looking for. And I thought, I’ve tried online dating before, but I had never tried Christian online dating.”

Once dating starts to get a little more serious, there are stepping stones to integrate two different lives. Often one of the first of these is the meeting of each other’s friends. Friends can make or break a relationship, especially if their opinion sways you. Meeting your new partner’s friends can be very nerve-wracking, so what should you consider? How can you continue to value friends as you date? And what might be going on under the surface, with your friends or theirs?