Dating with a Purpose

 With all the things we do in life with purpose, for a reason, with an end goal, then why not date with a purpose? One important principle that dating operates on is purpose. The million dollar question when it comes to purposeful dating is why do we date? At the end of the day , the purpose of dating is to make a clear pathway to marriage. So dating with a purpose is essential if you want to find someone to create and sustain a healthy relationship with. Hopefully the end goal of your dating is marriage, but dating is necessary to be a bridge to get you to your end goal. 

Although the end goal of dating is marriage that doesn’t mean that after one date or the first person you go out on a date with, that you have to marry that person. Dating is more like interviewing someone for the most important role as your partner. That does not mean showing up to your date with an application and interview questions (because that’s a surefire way for that date to end quickly 😁) but you should have an idea of what you want. Dating shouldn't be for temporary companionship to alleviate loneliness or to meet physical needs. Dating takes you to the next level towards something greater and better - a God-honoring, purpose-fulfilling partnership.

Here's some freebies for my single ladies that helped me when I was dating:

1. Know what you want. (what are your relationship intentions)

2. Know who you want. (have a general idea of what you want in a partner, but don't be so picky that you miss a great possibility)

3. Create a deal breaker list. (just something to keep you accountable for the things you will not tolerate; i.e. someone with a history of violence)

4. Cultivate relationship awareness. 

5. Cultivate self-awareness. (finding and maintaining a healthy relationship is close to impossible if you lack self-awareness)

6.Don't be attached to the outcome. (take your date(s) one step at a time)

Lastly, this should probably be a freebie... but make yourself available girlfriend. As Christian women we hear other women say "they are waiting on God to send them their husband" or they quote Proverbs 18:22 "a man that finds a wife, finds a good thing." While I'm not debating the scripture what I am asking is where is that man going to find you, or where is God going to send him? If you are just at home or work then you'll probably be waiting a long time my friend unless he's a delivery driver. Why you wait on the Lord.... make yourself available to be found. Be open to "unconventional" ways to meet people. I'm not talking about anything that causes you to sin when I say unconventional but just be real with yourself, you might not meet your future husband at church. My husband and I met through a dating website. So get out there girlfriend, have some fun, and date with a purpose.

Check out the Dating with a Purpose episode on the Embrace Your Diva Apple Podcast.