If sliding right has finally paid off, and you’ve found someone you could see yourself with forever, it’s important to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work. No relationship is perfect or easy all the time, but there are some things you can do to have a lasting relationship. Here are six Christian dating mistakes to avoid to keep your relationship going strong.
Christian Dating Mistake #1: Holding Grudges
Forgiveness is one of the most important aspects of a lasting relationship. Without forgiveness, your relationship won’t be able to go the distance. Everyone makes mistakes. Your partner will annoy you, irritate you, and hurt your feelings. But you’ll do the same to them–it’s inevitable because we all have flaws. That’s why it’s important to practice forgiveness daily and not hold grudges. Forgiveness followed by a change of actions is the recipe for a successful, long-lasting relationship.
Christian Dating Mistake #2: Not Communicating Expectations
Unmet expectations can doom even the best relationships. If you need something, want something, or expect something from your partner, tell them. They can’t read your mind. Communicating how you feel and what you need to make the relationship work is essential to making it a happy, fulfilling, long-lasting relationship.
Christian Dating Mistake #3: Forgetting to Listen First
You can avoid so many misunderstandings by practicing active listening–listening to truly understand the person. The more you listen to your partner, the more you’ll understand and get to know them. The more you know and love them, the easier it is to make adjustments to ensure the relationship works for the long term.
Christian Dating Mistake #4: Being Dishonest
Honesty is always the best policy, especially when you’re trying to make a relationship last. Even small lies become big problems and create a rocky foundation for the relationship to grow. So, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary, choose to be honest. It might cause some contention at first, but followed by effective communication and forgiveness, it will set you up for success in the long run.
Christian Dating Mistake #5: Not Growing Your Friendship
While you don’t necessarily need to be friends first to have a lasting relationship, you do need to grow your friendship alongside your romantic relationship. If you ask anyone who has been with their partner long-term, they’ll tell you the secret to success is having a strong friendship. Never stop learning about each other, prioritizing each other, and spending time with each other.
Christian Dating Mistake #6: Leaving God out of the Relationship
Last but not least, don’t leave God out of the relationship. Of all the Chrisitan dating mistakes to avoid, this one is the most essential. Pray together, read the Bible together, go to church together, and help each other grow in your relationship with God. Because with God at the center of your relationship, you’ll have a much better chance of going the distance.
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