When you sign up for a Christian dating app like Upward, you’re most likely looking for the love of your life, not just a friend. But are there benefits to the “friends-first” approach to online dating as a Christian? Here are some of the pros and cons of being friends first and how to choose the right online dating strategy for you.
Pros of Being Friends First When Online Dating
The friends-first approach to online dating as a Christian does have its benefits. First, there is less pressure to force a romantic connection. By establishing a foundation of friendship, you get to know the person without feeling like you need to act like a couple right away.
Second, you get to make sure you really like the person before starting a serious relationship. This is a great way to keep your heart and theirs protected. If, after developing a friendship, you decide you aren’t interested in anything more, you don’t have to deal with breaking up with someone because you never actually started dating. However, just like in any type of relationship, communication is essential. If your intentions to eventually date change, be sure to let the person know.
Cons of Being Friends First When Online Dating
Even though there are reasons to be friends first when online dating, there are also some drawbacks. First, it can be confusing and hard to set boundaries, especially if there is chemistry with your match from the beginning. That’s why if you do go with this approach, it’s best to be upfront about your intentions and desires. You want to be friends to establish a solid foundation before transitioning to a romantic relationship.
However, the transitioning aspect can also be a con. Moving from just friends to more than that can be awkward. Because of this, even if there is chemistry, you may find yourself stuck in an unintentional friend-zoned relationship. It takes a lot of communication and understanding to move beyond just friends and establish what a romantic relationship looks like to both people.
Is Friends-First Dating Right for You?
Ultimately, you get to decide if you want to take the friends-first approach when online dating as a Christian. Whatever you choose, it’s essential to be clear about your intentions when talking to your dating app matches. This way, you are both on the same page and there aren’t any unmet expectations.