If you’re close to your family, having their support can enrich your relationship by providing a strong foundation of love and wisdom. While making your own choices is important, valuing your family's input can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Involving your family doesn’t mean giving them control but considering their advice and applying it where it makes sense.
The Importance of Family Input
Your close family — like parents, siblings, and grandparents — often knows you better than anyone else. They’ve seen you grow and understand your values, personality, and what makes you happy. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Listening to your family can provide valuable insights you might not have considered.
Benefits of Family Involvement
Different Perspectives: Your family might see qualities or red flags in your partner that you missed.
Long-Term Vision: Family members often think long-term and consider how a relationship will affect your future and well-being.
Emotional Support: Knowing your family supports your relationship can give you peace of mind and emotional stability.
Balancing Family Opinions and Personal Choices
While family input can be helpful, it’s also important to balance their opinions with your own feelings and experiences. Ephesians 6:1-3 reminds us to honor our parents, but this doesn’t mean they should control our choices. Instead, aim for a balance where you respect their views but ultimately make the decision that feels right for you (after much prayer, of course).
Tips for Finding Balance
Listen Openly: Hear your family’s concerns without getting defensive.
Reflect Deeply: Take time to reflect on their advice and how it aligns with your own observations.
Communicate Clearly: Let your family know why you value their opinion and how it fits into your decision-making process.
When Family Disagrees
Sometimes, your family may not agree with your choice of partner. It’s really important to handle these situations with grace and understanding. Colossians 3:13 says to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Keep open communication and try to understand their perspective while sharing your own.
Steps to Handle Disagreements
Stay Calm: Avoid heated arguments and approach the conversation calmly.
Seek Understanding: Ask clarifying questions to understand their concerns fully.
Find Common Ground: Look for areas where you can agree and build from there.
Pray Together: Pursue God’s guidance together as a family to help resolve differences.
By valuing your family's opinions and balancing them with your personal choices, you can navigate the dating world with confidence and faith.
The app does not put you in contact to who likes you, you have to pay for, couples are made if you involve money