Dating question

[Niels]

It's no harder for me to meet women at 31 than it was when I was in my mid 20s. In fact, I've had a difficult time meeting people since I graduated from college.

 

[PassionateOne]

(psst, Karrie ... don't blow my cover)

psst, AFT.....I think your cover is already blown

 

[JPPT1974]

psst, AFT.....I think your cover is already blown

I think that you may need to find a cover asap!

 

[AirForceTeacher]

Ladies, you wound me ... as if *I* would flirt ... much ... more than I already do. See you over in the other thread, cuties!

 

[inhisimage73]

It's no harder for me to meet women at 31 than it was when I was in my mid 20s. In fact, I've had a difficult time meeting people since I graduated from college.

I find it difficult too. It was alot easier when I was younger, and "of this world", the other's spiritual destiny wasn't so important to me then. These days, I don't want to meet anyone who frequents bars or clubs...or anything like that. I think also my location hinders my finding a good Christian man...I live in a small rural town in Kansas...it's slim-pickins in these here parts!

By the way CuriousArtist...what do you "art"? I'm a beginners oil painter...still learning...and learning...and learning.....

 

[Luvworkinprogress]

I think now we are at an age where we date for a purpose. I posted on another thread the question is anyone dating a pastor or minister. As is my situation. One thing this relationship taught me is that now I date for marriage.

Everything we do is with purpose and under God's direction. It was "easier" to do things when I did not fully understand what God wanted me to do. The result was the marriage and divorce from a man who was not a Christian.

I am excited that in this season of our lives, God is preparing mates that will help build the kingdom. I love looking on the other threads and seeing people in the early 20's encouraged to allow God to direct their path/relationships. I feel that a lot of us missed that in our 20's. Now that we are in our 30's we have had more experience and can draw from that wisdom.

Ok, that was my 2 cents....

 

[overit]

Luv, I think at least for myself, yes I can bring in wisdom from other relationships to any new ones. I would not mind a healthy, loving relationship. Unlike you though, not all of us date with marriage in mind. I really have no desire to marry right now, nor do I know if I ever will. I still feel that I can and would like a loving companionship relationship. I think I would like it to be with somebody who obviously had the qualities you would want in a partner/spouse but I don't date with marriage in mind. I haven't since my divorce, only once for a brief period but it didn't last. I love my life, would love to have someone to share SOME of it with LOL. But that's me. My purpose in dating is fun, companionship, laugh, good times, adult interacion, affection, friendship, nothing more.

 

[Luvworkinprogress]

I can appreciate the concept of wanting companionship. That takes away the romance factor that dating adds. When I use the phrase "dating for marriage" it is to actually distinguish between the two types of relationships.

Meaning,a person can seeka if I want a friend/companion to interact with, to share fun times with, to talk with and celebrate life with.

Dating as I better understand it now in a Christian environment is all of the above with the hope that God will lead you two in the direction that allows two to become one. The "affection" that is expressed between couples often clouds and complicates things and that is not what God wants.

I once heard a minister ask, "Should you be kissing someone you do not intend to marry". Well as I thought about previous relationships I could not have imagined not kissing. As I did more bible study I began to understand his question and his point.

Desiring connection is normal, natural and does not go against any biblical teachings. I am happy that you are in a place where you are not seeking a mate and you are content. Some Christians struggle with being content in their singleness.

I would just challenge all of us to live our lives to glorify God as best we know how. For me, that means being careful about the type of men I am around and moreover what I am trying to gain from the relationship. I have spent many years being in "just friends" relationships with men that at some point became complicated. Either because of something we said or did that blurred that line.

If you establish clear expectations, I think everyone turns out better.

Be blessed and thanks for your response.

 

[JPPT1974]

I would rather date someone that
Was and is a Christian as opposed to
Someone that isn't because you share
The love of Jesus and that it is better to
Be yoked rather than unyoked.