Trying to figure out what's going wrong - Dating

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Nautilus

Senior Member
Jun 29, 2012
6,488
53
48
#61
I'm just messin' with ya because you're new and, well, to be honest, because it's fun for me :D

I understand what you mean. I am at a point right now where I am extremely hesitant to date people I consider to be good friends because, if it doesn't end well, you've lost a very good friend. :(
well then by all means continue. far be it from to deny a woman her enjoyment.
 
S

SunshineRain

Guest
#62
I doubt it, but maybe. I tend to be extremely playful with women as long as there is chemistry there. I'm just there to have a good time.

On the flip-side, me being overly physical could certainly lead to this I believe. Since these are Christian women I'm referring to, they might take physical stuff as meaning much more than I mean it to be.(hopefully they would know I'm not after sex). I'll hold hands and kiss them because, hey I'm a guy, I like beautiful women.. But I know there is a whole emotional aspect to that for women too.

I just need to adjust my approach since I was used to the "world's way" of dating and realize that these women do not know me, and don't know my intentions are pure.

I think you're realizing that Christian women are different. And they should be... very different. If only more men would realize this. When I became a Christian, I realized that if I wanted a godly man, I needed to be a godly woman. Simple as that. Be what you want.

If you want a girl that kisses every other guy she dates before you (rather than only ones that are truly special or even waiting to kiss only you, her future husband). How would you feel if you knew your future wife was kissing another man at this very moment? You're kissing other men's wives each time you date and kiss (and even touch in *special* places) them.

I'm not trying to be harsh... just sharing this daughter of the King's perspective.

I want my future husband to know what we have is truly different and special. Different than how he's felt about almost any other girl in his life (depending on his age).

For me, communication is so crucial. As Christians, who know how rare other true Christians are, we'll know when we know. There will be no worldly mind games of waiting to call etc. Alone time is good but it needs to be in public places. We'll begin to put Christ at the center right away. He'll know what it looks like to have a Christ centered relationship :) Anyone know what I'm talking about???
 
S

SunshineRain

Guest
#63
Well i can surely relate with you..All i do is end up getting friend zoned or end up attracting women who end up being gay or bisexual. A friend jokingly says i 'turn them gay'. Maybe i am coming across too effeminate? Too sensitive? Maybe i should learn to spit better, split wood,work out more, get buff, get a deeper voice, get a mean face on and then i will actually attract women that are straight. I finally realized one that i really really liked recently is either gay,bi or confused. Funny, i was like..hmm. Why am i not surprised, it honestly has happened a lot. That or they end up fixing their 'issues' after dating me(social anxietys,PDA/public display affection fears) are more fun, or less stuffy after they date me. I claim i am the therapeutic boyfriend, just date me for a few months, and you will be awesome after dating me! Lol, either way its either that or they never really liked me and were more themselves after dating someone they really like..although thinking i may have somehow 'helped them be better' after dating me or the possibility that maybe i helped them brings me some comfort albeit i do joke about it sometimes. I guess it's my way of coping.
I'm just wondering where you're meeting these girls?? Are you committed to dating only Christian women?

I'm not sure a guy can be too sensitive but that's just me. Communication and compassion are really important qualities. There's no need to change who you are. Be a godly man and you'll attract a godly woman :)
 
G

GuyforChrist85

Guest
#64
I think you're realizing that Christian women are different. And they should be... very different. If only more men would realize this. When I became a Christian, I realized that if I wanted a godly man, I needed to be a godly woman. Simple as that. Be what you want.

If you want a girl that kisses every other guy she dates before you (rather than only ones that are truly special or even waiting to kiss only you, her future husband). How would you feel if you knew your future wife was kissing another man at this very moment? You're kissing other men's wives each time you date and kiss (and even touch in *special* places) them.

I'm not trying to be harsh... just sharing this daughter of the King's perspective.

I want my future husband to know what we have is truly different and special. Different than how he's felt about almost any other girl in his life (depending on his age).

For me, communication is so crucial. As Christians, who know how rare other true Christians are, we'll know when we know. There will be no worldly mind games of waiting to call etc. Alone time is good but it needs to be in public places. We'll begin to put Christ at the center right away. He'll know what it looks like to have a Christ centered relationship :) Anyone know what I'm talking about???
If I could give 2 likes on this I would. When I first posted this thread I did not even think about the differences. I was just dating the only way I knew and the women would go along with it, but it was just the "in the moment" type thing. I had no idea what the issue was! I truly do want a deeper connection. I don't know if a lot of women know it or not, but a lot of us guys want the "fairytale" type relationship just as much as women do. The path to get that is totally different though.

I have not touched a woman in a special spot since recommiting to God! ;) Lol. I 100% agree on the communication and putting Christ at the center of any relationship. I'm not saying I'm always right on this, but generally there are rules to relationships.
 

Snackersmom

Senior Member
May 10, 2011
1,491
147
63
#65
^^^ lol, all this time, you were thinking "Well, I'll just go along with kissing her because that's what you do, right?", but the girls were probably thinking "If we're holding hands and kissing on the FIRST date, WHAT ON EARTH will we be doing on the fourth one?"........:eek:..................;) :D
 

Nautilus

Senior Member
Jun 29, 2012
6,488
53
48
#66
^^^ lol, all this time, you were thinking "Well, I'll just go along with kissing her because that's what you do, right?", but the girls were probably thinking "If we're holding hands and kissing on the FIRST date, WHAT ON EARTH will we be doing on the fourth one?"........:eek:..................;) :D
With the culture the way it is nowadays if you are waiting til the fourth date with the AVERAGE woman she is probably wondering what is wrong with her that you don't want to go farther...not saying it is true for all but a majority of nonchristian women i have noticed this is the case
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#67
Please forgive me if this is NOMB...not single, not young, but still...still...
I have children your ages. And I (somewhat vaguely) remember what it's like to be there.

I have to say, OP, that I do believe a freindship at some level should come before dating. How that happens, I don't know, but I believe God does.
Dating is a current, western culture thing. I get it...you have to get to the whole married/family thing somehow, but "dating" strangers probably isn't it.
I think it's sensible to have some knowledge of a woman's personality before committing to a date, or, IMHO, preferably a courtship. Not that all courtships end in marriage, either, but if one understands the terminology, courtship seems better than what our society calls dating.
If you have not even a passing knowledge of the way a woman lives...how can you know where she stands in her relationship with Jesus? (and by that I mean you would have to be able to see it.)

Perhaps observation and prayer are your best friends when it comes to this issue. I am always amazed at how many Christian women there are who would love to be marreid, but till I read this I didn't realize you guys are out there, too! (I'm sorry I overlooked you. :( )
I encourage you, as I do my own children, to do things with a woman in groups before you do things alone. Not only do you have the chance to see how she lives a bit better, but also whether or not the spark is there, and you'd also have the chance to ask the Lord about her before you ask her anything personal.

Okay, now I gotta go humble myself (after revealing this great truth...JK lol) and ask God to lead you into this situation, because I surely don't know how else you'll find it!
I do know, after 32 years that being my husband's wife is my greatest joy (after being my Savior's wife :) ). And I pray this for you all, that the Lord will bless you with this joy, too. I didn't know there were so many of you young men fashioned in heart as my husband is. But I'm happy beyond anything to find this out!
in Christ
~ellie
ps- I don't know if this will be encouraging, but my second born daughter was married last month. Honestly never, ever thought we'd find a mman who deserved her, but her husband is a person whom you could say that about, too. ♥ They met through mutual Christian friends, participated in group activities as friends for a year, dated for 6 months, were engaged for 6 months (although Aaron knew when he first asked her out this was his goal).
He actually asked her daddy for her hand when he asked her out!, and asked us both for our blessing before giving her the ring. Good parents that boy has! They're both 28. Our little girl had decided she'd never marry, and that was okay with her if it was of God. A month later, she met her husband. It won't be everyone's testimony, but I like it. :)

I'm praying for all of you dear ones.
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#68
With the culture the way it is nowadays if you are waiting til the fourth date with the AVERAGE woman she is probably wondering what is wrong with her that you don't want to go farther...not saying it is true for all but a majority of nonchristian women i have noticed this is the case
Isn't it funny that we'll do things we won't talk about?
Simply talking about your own convictions and expectations of a dating partner would simplify a lot of things, seems like, right?

GuyforChrist, I encourage you in this, as well. And I commend you for your commitment to date only believers! Well done!
 
J

Jullianna

Guest
#69
With the culture the way it is nowadays if you are waiting til the fourth date with the AVERAGE woman she is probably wondering what is wrong with her that you don't want to go farther...not saying it is true for all but a majority of nonchristian women i have noticed this is the case


^The key part of this sentence^

Not sure I want to settle for average anyway.
 
L

Liz01

Guest
#70
i think though the key part of the sentence is "majority"
 
G

GuyforChrist85

Guest
#71
Please forgive me if this is NOMB...not single, not young, but still...still...
I have children your ages. And I (somewhat vaguely) remember what it's like to be there.

I have to say, OP, that I do believe a freindship at some level should come before dating. How that happens, I don't know, but I believe God does.
Dating is a current, western culture thing. I get it...you have to get to the whole married/family thing somehow, but "dating" strangers probably isn't it.
I think it's sensible to have some knowledge of a woman's personality before committing to a date, or, IMHO, preferably a courtship. Not that all courtships end in marriage, either, but if one understands the terminology, courtship seems better than what our society calls dating.
If you have not even a passing knowledge of the way a woman lives...how can you know where she stands in her relationship with Jesus? (and by that I mean you would have to be able to see it.)

Perhaps observation and prayer are your best friends when it comes to this issue. I am always amazed at how many Christian women there are who would love to be marreid, but till I read this I didn't realize you guys are out there, too! (I'm sorry I overlooked you. :( )
I encourage you, as I do my own children, to do things with a woman in groups before you do things alone. Not only do you have the chance to see how she lives a bit better, but also whether or not the spark is there, and you'd also have the chance to ask the Lord about her before you ask her anything personal.

Okay, now I gotta go humble myself (after revealing this great truth...JK lol) and ask God to lead you into this situation, because I surely don't know how else you'll find it!
I do know, after 32 years that being my husband's wife is my greatest joy (after being my Savior's wife :) ). And I pray this for you all, that the Lord will bless you with this joy, too. I didn't know there were so many of you young men fashioned in heart as my husband is. But I'm happy beyond anything to find this out!
in Christ
~ellie
ps- I don't know if this will be encouraging, but my second born daughter was married last month. Honestly never, ever thought we'd find a mman who deserved her, but her husband is a person whom you could say that about, too. ♥ They met through mutual Christian friends, participated in group activities as friends for a year, dated for 6 months, were engaged for 6 months (although Aaron knew when he first asked her out this was his goal).
He actually asked her daddy for her hand when he asked her out!, and asked us both for our blessing before giving her the ring. Good parents that boy has! They're both 28. Our little girl had decided she'd never marry, and that was okay with her if it was of God. A month later, she met her husband. It won't be everyone's testimony, but I like it. :)

I'm praying for all of you dear ones.
I agree that ideally, it would be great to have an established friendship beforehand. Unfortunalely for me, at my age the courtship and group thing just does not work as it would for a younger person. Most of my friends and people in the church I know are married couples, so a group thing with 2 singles and the rest married is just kind of awkward and puts both single people on the spot. (Maybe not directly, but at least subconsciously)

Yes, there are a TON of us Christian guys that want marriage, we just don't usually talk about it!
One benefit I will say to dating around though is that you really discover what you want. My views on what I want and need are MUCH different than what I used to want. Can there be pain and heartbreak involved in doing this? Absolutely. It's just all part of life though. One thing though that is generally true about people is that in a group setting, they are going to have their "social mask" up. I agree that you can learn a lot about someone in that setting, but you learn so much more on a 1 on 1 basis. Also, friendships and romantic relationships are different in the aspect that when feelings start getting involved, people will act differently in that situation (generally).

I love the fact that Aaron asked your husband for your daughter's hand. That's very commendable and I too have always thought that's the correct way to do it. It's just out of respect. I like that story. =)
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#72
I'd like to clarify my post a little, as breezing over some of these comments i realized i could've been misunderstood a little. When i talk about getting to know them and being friends, it usually isn't a matter of friends, then romantic notions. Usually the romantic notions form at the same time as the friendship, and always on both sides of the table. So that by the time our friendship is established, so also our romantic feelings are confirmed as well. Thats when i will act.
This is opposed to what i think some people thought, where you become good friends and have an established friendship then decide to turn it romantic suddenly.
People say this can't work for them, but i never walk away spending my money on a stranger, have a nice time, then wonder why they stop talking to me.
 
J

Jullianna

Guest
#73
Well said, Ugly. That's exactly what I mean too.
 

Crimson_Lark

Senior Member
Apr 17, 2012
207
15
18
#74
Ask the women you went on a date with!

Some women will lie to be nice to you, but I guarantee one will give you the truth. If you ask, explain that you aren't pursuing them, you just want some feedback and that you would really appreciate their honesty.

One time I went out with a guy, and we seemed to hit it off. At the end he was even planning our next date. But then I never heard from him. So after a month I finally I screwed up my courage and sent him an email.

I asked- in a respectful, honest way (not a needy, stalkerish way) Why he never called me? He gave me a long written explanation and I could tell he was sincere. It put my mind at ease.

Dating is hard and I know I would give any guy I ever dated honest feedback if he sincerely asked.

You have nothing to lose. :)
 
S

SunshineRain

Guest
#75
If I could give 2 likes on this I would. When I first posted this thread I did not even think about the differences. I was just dating the only way I knew and the women would go along with it, but it was just the "in the moment" type thing. I had no idea what the issue was! I truly do want a deeper connection. I don't know if a lot of women know it or not, but a lot of us guys want the "fairytale" type relationship just as much as women do. The path to get that is totally different though.

I have not touched a woman in a special spot since recommiting to God! ;) Lol. I 100% agree on the communication and putting Christ at the center of any relationship. I'm not saying I'm always right on this, but generally there are rules to relationships.

I'll accept your 2 likes :) Want more?

Can I first disagree that there are lots of you guys that want the fairytale type relationship? Godly men are very, very rare. Consider yourself in an elite group because you are. There lots of guys in church... still living in the world and wanting to do relationships the world's ways. It's rather discouraging. I have my dating profile on hold right now because I'm asking 'why are these men paying for a Christian dating site when they want to do all the things non-Christian men do???' They want a godly woman to do ungodly things w/them before marriage. They don't know what it means to have a Christ centered relationship. God is something they've added to their worldly life, not replaced their worldly life with. I say all of this, just to reaffirm that I'll someday truly appreciate the godly man God has for me :)

Here's my favorite quote: A girls heart should be so hidden in Christ that a guy should have to seek Him first to find it.

I'm sure most men read that and have no clue what it means. :-(

Here's an article about Spiritual Intimacy that you might find interesting. Spiritual Intimacy

Not long after I got saved, I knew that the only hope in this ever fallen/falling world for a successful marriage is that it MUST be Christ centered. We must each have Christ at the center of our lives and also at the center of our relationship. We'll be diligent in making sure He stays in the center. I've studied about a man's need for respect. I won't be perfect but with a godly heart, he'll help me continue to learn and grow.

For now, I share the things God has guided me to and enlightened me on with others. Those who can't do... teach.. right? haha If God uses me to save or impact even one relationship/marriage then it was all worth it. It amazes me at times when people don't wanna do the work of learning how God made the opposite sex so they can better understand them and the things they do/say. They'd rather struggle thru. Getting married takes little effort... you have to do more to get a drivers license practically! Yet getting married means that an imperfect person is going to be in your personal time and space... every day! Even after the eros love has faded! Then what???

People just don't understand what it truly means to love someone. I'm sorry... but I just don't think Jesus was passionately attracted to me and wanted to be physically intimate with me when He died on the cross for me. Yet most guys think that's the way to express love. Is anyone hearing me? lol

Here's something God just revealed to me a couple of weeks ago. I completely grasp that a woman's deepest need is for emotional intimacy (I'm all woman!!) and that a man's deepest need is physical intimacy. We all understand this.. it's no mystery. What God revealed to me is that in a godly dating relationship, the entire time of dating meets the woman's deepest need.. we spend time together, talking and getting to know each other, growing closer and closer emotionally. With the right man... our need is met completely! However... the exact opposite is true for the man in the relationship. In a godly relationship, his need isn't met until marriage. WOW It gave me an even deeper compassion for godly men.

It's refreshing to know you haven't touched 'special' places. That says a ton about you! Be ever so careful of spending too much time alone in private places. Temptation awaits! Be alone in a public place and spend lots of one on one time. Truly get to know her is my suggestion.

That's all.... for now ;-)
 
S

SunshineRain

Guest
#76
I agree that ideally, it would be great to have an established friendship beforehand. Unfortunalely for me, at my age the courtship and group thing just does not work as it would for a younger person. Most of my friends and people in the church I know are married couples, so a group thing with 2 singles and the rest married is just kind of awkward and puts both single people on the spot. (Maybe not directly, but at least subconsciously)

Yes, there are a TON of us Christian guys that want marriage, we just don't usually talk about it!
One benefit I will say to dating around though is that you really discover what you want. My views on what I want and need are MUCH different than what I used to want. Can there be pain and heartbreak involved in doing this? Absolutely. It's just all part of life though. One thing though that is generally true about people is that in a group setting, they are going to have their "social mask" up. I agree that you can learn a lot about someone in that setting, but you learn so much more on a 1 on 1 basis. Also, friendships and romantic relationships are different in the aspect that when feelings start getting involved, people will act differently in that situation (generally).

I love the fact that Aaron asked your husband for your daughter's hand. That's very commendable and I too have always thought that's the correct way to do it. It's just out of respect. I like that story. =)
Believe me when I say... the hurt is so much less if guys aren't selfish and talk things to a level they shouldn't with a girl they don't intend to marry. I'm not even talking about full intimacy (which is an even much larger issue). If all you've done is hugged, held hand and talked alot but decide not to move forward, maintaining a friendship should be easily possible.

Not to long ago, I met a guy from this site in person. When he knew I didn't wanna pursue a relationship, he tried to push me away. As a sister in Christ, I didn't wanna hurt him. I called and talked to him (after he understood my intentions), I encouraged him, prayed with him and we're still friends. I even set him up with a friend of mine that I believe is a much better match for him. As Christians, we should have a deep level of compassion for other Christians, not just kick them to the curb if they aren't our future spouse. We have lots to learn from each other. We all need each other!

Uggh I don't really even like using the word Christian much anymore. There are a TON of 'people in church' (as I call them) and very, very few Christians. I'm of course referring to true, grounded Christians.

*Smiles*
 
S

SunshineRain

Guest
#77
If its not the 3 days wait thing then would you possibly have bad breath. I'm not trying to be funny but just thinking of what would cause a lady to disappear?
Oh my gosh! Fresh breath is so important!!! Guys...please... please... I beg you... take care of your teeth and brush your tongue... really well... it's were the vast majority of bacteria that causes bad breath is. Be sure to brush the back of your tongue real good also...

So... So... SO important :) Justttt sayin'
 
L

Liz01

Guest
#78
Oh my gosh! Fresh breath is so important!!! Guys...please... please... I beg you... take care of your teeth and brush your tongue... really well... it's were the vast majority of bacteria that causes bad breath is. Be sure to brush the back of your tongue real good also...

So... So... SO important :) Justttt sayin'
i just remembered a guy, no, wait, sorry, i meant that i remembered a deal breaker.....that white thing that cover the teeth when someone doesnt brush them in a long time, that is a fast and final breaker.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
G

GuyforChrist85

Guest
#79
Can I first disagree that there are lots of you guys that want the fairytale type relationship? Godly men are very, very rare. Consider yourself in an elite group because you are. There lots of guys in church... still living in the world and wanting to do relationships the world's ways. It's rather discouraging. I have my dating profile on hold right now because I'm asking 'why are these men paying for a Christian dating site when they want to do all the things non-Christian men do???' They want a godly woman to do ungodly things w/them before marriage. They don't know what it means to have a Christ centered relationship. God is something they've added to their worldly life, not replaced their worldly life with. I say all of this, just to reaffirm that I'll someday truly appreciate the godly man God has for me :)

I get what you're saying about the fairytale. I'm blessed with some good male friends though, cause I know several that think a lot like me. Me and them just disagree on how to get it! lol. They tend to sympathize with the feminine side more so to speak.

Here's my favorite quote: A girls heart should be so hidden in Christ that a guy should have to seek Him first to find it.

I'm sure most men read that and have no clue what it means. :-(

Here's an article about Spiritual Intimacy that you might find interesting. Spiritual Intimacy

Not long after I got saved, I knew that the only hope in this ever fallen/falling world for a successful marriage is that it MUST be Christ centered. We must each have Christ at the center of our lives and also at the center of our relationship. We'll be diligent in making sure He stays in the center. I've studied about a man's need for respect. I won't be perfect but with a godly heart, he'll help me continue to learn and grow.

Yeah, that quote does not make much senses to me, lol! I take it as we are to follow and serve Christ first, and he'll give us the heart that special woman. Unfortunately, I do not agree with that. I agree that we should seek God first, and he should be the center of any relationship, absolutely. But yeah, it doesnt make sense.. What you read is 100% correct. Respect is to a man, what emotional intimacy is to a woman. I'll check out that article, thanks!

For now, I share the things God has guided me to and enlightened me on with others. Those who can't do... teach.. right? haha If God uses me to save or impact even one relationship/marriage then it was all worth it. It amazes me at times when people don't wanna do the work of learning how God made the opposite sex so they can better understand them and the things they do/say. They'd rather struggle thru. Getting married takes little effort... you have to do more to get a drivers license practically! Yet getting married means that an imperfect person is going to be in your personal time and space... every day! Even after the eros love has faded! Then what???

I 100% agree with this.

People just don't understand what it truly means to love someone. I'm sorry... but I just don't think Jesus was passionately attracted to me and wanted to be physically intimate with me when He died on the cross for me. Yet most guys think that's the way to express love. Is anyone hearing me? lol

I agree and disagree with this. I understand "loving your wife like Christ loved the church", but these are two totally different things. Basically that's saying love her to the point you would do anything for her, even die for her. Unconditional love. Physical intimacy comes from either lust or love. Wow, I might have stuck my foot in my mouth there eh!? I'm going to have to ponder this lol.

Here's something God just revealed to me a couple of weeks ago. I completely grasp that a woman's deepest need is for emotional intimacy (I'm all woman!!) and that a man's deepest need is physical intimacy. We all understand this.. it's no mystery. What God revealed to me is that in a godly dating relationship, the entire time of dating meets the woman's deepest need.. we spend time together, talking and getting to know each other, growing closer and closer emotionally. With the right man... our need is met completely! However... the exact opposite is true for the man in the relationship. In a godly relationship, his need isn't met until marriage. WOW It gave me an even deeper compassion for godly men.

Actually... that is not correct. A man's greatest need is not physical intimacy, it is important, but not at the top. Either respect or purpose is a man's greatest need. He's gotta feel respected by the woman and also has to feel like he is needed by her. You ask any REAL Christian man and this is going to be the honest answer. You ask a wordly man and you will generally get this too, outside of the guys that just want sex! Don't get me wrong, being men we have a very high sex drive generally, but our emotions run just as deep. We just show them in different ways! Remember also, all people are different. It's kinda like the love languages, things will vary from person to person. Trust me, that is not correct though.

It's refreshing to know you haven't touched 'special' places. That says a ton about you! Be ever so careful of spending too much time alone in private places. Temptation awaits! Be alone in a public place and spend lots of one on one time. Truly get to know her is my suggestion.

=) Yeah, I know that temptation is always around. This is where we just have to be strong and stick to our boundries.

Good Post!
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#80
I agree that ideally, it would be great to have an established friendship beforehand. Unfortunalely for me, at my age the courtship and group thing just does not work as it would for a younger person. Most of my friends and people in the church I know are married couples, so a group thing with 2 singles and the rest married is just kind of awkward and puts both single people on the spot. (Maybe not directly, but at least subconsciously)

Yes, there are a TON of us Christian guys that want marriage, we just don't usually talk about it!
One benefit I will say to dating around though is that you really discover what you want. My views on what I want and need are MUCH different than what I used to want. Can there be pain and heartbreak involved in doing this? Absolutely. It's just all part of life though. One thing though that is generally true about people is that in a group setting, they are going to have their "social mask" up. I agree that you can learn a lot about someone in that setting, but you learn so much more on a 1 on 1 basis. Also, friendships and romantic relationships are different in the aspect that when feelings start getting involved, people will act differently in that situation (generally).

I love the fact that Aaron asked your husband for your daughter's hand. That's very commendable and I too have always thought that's the correct way to do it. It's just out of respect. I like that story. =)
I can totally see your predicament. My son is only 24, and still most of his friends (who are, granted a little older than he) are married and have children. He's late getting through college thanks to the stroke he had at 19, and feels behind and more than ready for married life, too, so I can't imagine how you must feel. :(
But, don't you think people have their "social mask" up when on a date, too? I think most of us are on our best behavior till we've sealed the deal, so to speak. If that's not you, I commend you on that as well!! :) (but, like you're going to pass gas in front of a date if you can help it? lol)
It's just been my experience that love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener. ;)

So, we look for a believer with whom we base a relationship in Christ and true friendship, for the eros love may die, but something MUCH better takes its place.

And I have to make a confession---I never understood my husband's need for respect for, like, the first 20 years we were married. :( Poor guy, if anyone should be nominated for sainthood, it's he! And I'm so glad it came up here and was confirmed by a man. I have daughters who are still single, and I want them to get this and not make their mother's mistakes.
So, thank you so much for that!!
I pray for the Lord's wisdom for you, my brother.
~ellie