Dating, Engagement, and Marriage

I bring my desire for a partner honestly to God rather than managing this season on my own

I see the person I am with as someone Jesus died for — worthy of my best conduct, not just my best presentation

I hold the relationship with open hands — seeking God's will rather than forcing my preferred outcome

I honor the other person physically and emotionally — I do not take what is not yet given

I pay attention to how the other person treats people who can do nothing for them — that is character

I seek counsel from people who know me well and will tell me the truth, not just affirm my feelings

I do not let loneliness or outside pressure push me past what I know to be wise

I accept that readiness for marriage is not primarily about age or circumstances but about character

When a relationship ends, I grieve it honestly rather than rushing into the next one

I bring unresolved hurt from past relationships to God and to a counselor before carrying it into a new one

During engagement, I have the hard conversations — finances, faith, children, conflict — before the wedding, not after

I pray for my future spouse by name if I know them, or by situation if I do not — they are already a real person