Dating & Relationships

I know what it’s like to be in a relationship and know that something isn’t right but still find it difficult to leave. But, I’ve come to understand that God wants so much more for us. He wants the best, in fact. The stress of being in the wrong relationship is just not worth it, never mind the time and effort that could be put into something more meaningful. Here are 10 signs you’re in the wrong relationship.

Online dating is now the second most common way to meet people (after meeting through friends) and it accounts for over 20% current committed relationships and this number is growing. As an introverted, bottom of the career ladder, divorcee, the advert practically wrote itself! In a world where “women’s desirability peaks at 21” once I was ready to be thinking about dating again, I was considered over the hill! I’d been in the mental health world for many years, out of work and my self esteem was pretty low. My last relationship had ended with my mental health playing a large role. I’d been hurt when most in pain and it was hard to consider trusting anyone again. I was ambivalent about wanting someone else in my life.

‘Dear HopefulGirl – I’m getting married!’ said the message from one of my Facebookers. ‘He’s younger than me, but he’s persuaded me it doesn’t matter and he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. I wanted to share the news because you know how long I’ve prayed for a Christian husband. I can hardly believe it’s really happening!’

When I was dating, I remember thinking that if I was like an alpha male, I would get a girlfriend. I had to be the life and soul of the party, be really funny, then it would work out. Then after attracting these many women (I cringe looking back now), I would find someone.

The combination of Whirleyball, Italian food and deep conversation made for a very entertaining Saturday night with friends. As I filled my stomach with Patrizio’s and conversed with a male friend about gender roles, my mind began to wander.

My friend referenced Genesis 3:16, and as I heard him say the words, “Your desire shall be for your husband,” my unfocused brain thought: There are so many singles here tonight; why aren’t any of them dating?

Being single can be a difficult time for many, but, as difficult as it is, the truth is that life is not just about getting married. Life doesn’t start when you get married. Life is right now! And you can still have a wonderful and fulfilling life as a single person, whether or not you eventually get married. So, here are five traits to avoid if you’re single.

Are you planning a first date and wanting to make a memorable first impression with somewhere, or something, that’s just that little bit different? Have you been in a relationship for a while and getting bored of the same old date night routines? If so, here are seven date ideas that are right on trend for 2016:

‘I’d like to try internet dating,’ confided a friend at church, ‘but I’ve heard stories about scammers, even on Christian websites. I’m a trusting person, HopefulGirl, and I’m not all that web-savvy. I’m worried I’ll be taken in by a conman.’