Dating and Marriage: “Dear Abby” is Gone, but here are a few things I’ve learned over the years
Be balanced in your appraisal of the opposite sex: Don’t totally discount physical attraction, but understand that any relationship based on looks alone will make both of you miserable and resentful. Proverbs 11:22 says that a beautiful woman without discretion is like a ring of gold… in a pig’s snout. Look deeper than that.
Make deliberate decisions. Don’t go along with whoever comes along. Know what you’re looking for and don’t settle for less, just because it’s available or because you feel like it’s expected of you. Medical science has proven that you won’t die from not having a boyfriend or a girlfriend / husband or wife.
Forget what your peers think: If you choose your dates, you won’t wind up being married to someone your friends picked for you.
Accept situations and move on: If someone to whom you’re attracted does not seem able to return your affections, give it up. They can’t force themselves any more than you can. Sometimes there’s nothing more attractive than someone with the courage to walk away.
Be honest. If a relationship is not working, it’s not working. Don’t let it drag on. Tell them the truth kindly and gently (because you may get a turn at hearing similar news later from someone you like) but don’t mess around. Cut and run.
Take your time. Marriage is “until death do you part”. So don’t let anyone or anything influence you to get in a hurry to marry or even to date someone. The only dependable way to really get to know another person is over time. A late marriage beats a mistake anytime.
Leave room for God’s providence: Proverbs 19:14 says that a prudent wife is from the Lord. I believe this is God telling us that whether we are the young man looking for a prudent wife, or the prudent young woman looking for a fit husband, He will work to get you together. Don’t rush God; just tell Him your concerns regularly. He has impeccable taste and timing!
If you’re thinking that you will marry someone now and change them later, pause from reading this article long enough to have someone slap you really hard.
May God bless you in your search.