I personally think dating is so that you can find your potential spouse... With that being said, I don't date because of that. I'm too scared of the thought of marriage (even if I think of it being 10 years away). Every time I picture myself getting married I start freaking out and picturing a divorce, which is something I never want to go through. I'm so afraid of divorce that I can't ever picture myself getting married. I mean, I know I'm young and I have a while to go before I'd even consider it and my mind could change within that time, but I'm so turned off by the thought of giving my heart to someone and marrying them, and giving them every part of me and then watching them walk away. I know that as a Christian it's important for me to find someone who is also a Christian, but that doesn't help my fear of marriage/divorce because divorce is still pretty common with Christians too. It's really hard because I want to meet new people and go on cute dates and stuff but if I can't see myself getting married I know I have no business dating.
I am 30 and I still am not married or have a significant relationship.
I remember being asked out in college, but before I went on a date, I asked her if we could just have coffee and talk at the college coffee shop. I asked her about her beliefs and she said she grew up Christian, but fell away from God because she partied hard and then she told me she had a 2 year old daughter. I offered to be a friend and was willing to talk with her more about The Lord and the Bible, but she didn't want to. But because I wouldn't "date" her she didn't like me at all afterwards.
I agree with you. I only want to date someone I know that I would potentially marry and if they are not completely sold out for Christ, then I would never give them the wrong Impression by dating them.
I feel that if The Lord wants me married, then He will show me in His good time, but as for now I am content with what I have.
We should not seek relationships simply because we are lonely or because everyone else has one, we should seek them based on God's direction in our life.
May God grant you wisdom and discernment that you may know His will for your life. May he also give you peace and rest so that you will not fear divorce in your own life that you saw in your parent's. don't let that fear bind you.