Online dating as a Christian is a great way to connect with men and women with similar values, goals, and beliefs that you might not otherwise meet. However, to ensure you get the most out of the experience, there are some Christian online dating dos and don'ts to follow.
DO Be Honest About Your Beliefs From the Start
Honesty is one of the most important elements of Christian online dating. Everything from your profile pictures to your bio to your conversations should authentically represent you. It can be tempting to hide your faith initially so people don’t swipe left on you because of it. However, that’s not the best way to meet someone who will understand and respect your beliefs. If your faith is important to you and an essential aspect of your life, be open and honest about it from the get-go.
DON’T Forget to Pray About It
Christian online dating should be fun and exciting. However, it’s important to keep your heart connected to God throughout the process. Praying about each person you match with, chat with, or go on a date with will help ensure you’re staying in line with God’s will for your life. When in doubt, pray about it!
DO Set Boundaries
And communicate them clearly! Having physical and emotional boundaries is essential to building a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship with a potential partner. You may have things you’re not comfortable with, and it’s important to communicate those sooner than later. Some common boundaries for Christian online dating that may resonate with you include:
Meeting in a public place for your first (or first few) dates
Waiting to kiss until you’re in a committed relationship
Dating one person at a time
Waiting to share personal or private information until you build trust
Being friends first before diving into a romantic relationship
Keep in mind that the person you’re talking to or dating might have boundaries of their own. It’s important to respect your boundaries and theirs and for them to do the same.
DON’T Focus Too Much on Marriage
While marriage might be your end goal, it doesn’t have to be the focus of your online dating experience from the start. You can date for marriage without putting the pressure of marriage on a potential partner. To do this, let the topic of marriage come up naturally, keep an open mind, and be intentional about who you invest your time with.
DO Treat Others with Kindness and Respect
Treating potential partners with kindness and respect is essential for Christian online dating. Just because you get to know someone over messaging before meeting in person doesn’t mean you should treat them differently. When communicating with potential matches, always be respectful and kind. Don't say anything you wouldn't say in person or pressure anyone to meet up with you before they're ready. And if you’re not interested in getting to know someone further, don’t ghost them! Let them down easy and in the kindest way possible.
DON’T Forget to Enjoy the Christian Online Dating Experience
Christian online dating can be a great way to connect with other singles who share your faith. However, it’s important to remember that online dating is not just about finding someone to marry. It’s also about enjoying the process and getting to know yourself better. Take time to explore different profiles and reach out to people who interest you. Be open to making new friends, even if they don’t end up being romantic prospects. And most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously. This is supposed to be fun, so relax and enjoy it!