Q&A for How to Have a God Centered Dating Relationship

This can mean different things for different people, but it basically means that you should not let your relationship lead you to compromise your beliefs, convictions, and dedication to your God. Continue to seek closeness to God in your relationship and avoid behaviors that are considered unholy or sinful in your faith.

Different religious faiths have different beliefs about relationships. Consult with a religious leader in your community or read the holy texts of your faith if you have questions. Most faiths encourage couples to support each other and to practice their faith together.

The 4 types of love in the bible are Eros (sensual or romantic love), Storge (family love), Philia (brotherly love), and Agape (the godly love of humanity).

Being single is a time to reflect upon what is it is that makes you happy, what you can do to improve upon yourself. Right now might not be the time to be with someone, because deep down inside you have to learn how to work on you, love you first in order to love someone else. Do what makes you happy, find yourself, think about the future, what goals you wish to seek, think about yourself, and when feeling discouraged, pray. Being single can bring you closer to God, as you'll have more time to work on your relationship with Him.

If he loves you, then he will listen to you and respect your wishes. Intimacy can be gained in plenty of ways besides sex -- laying and talking together, walking and holding hands, or just being together can all build intimacy. Sex is easy, but intimacy is harder. Let him know that you will not change your mind about this, but that you would like to practice building intimacy with some other methods.

Definitely. It's just part of human nature.

Getting married is a big deal and a lifelong commitment, so don't marry just so you can have sex again. If you love her and you're absolutely serious about making this commitment, then of course you can marry her.

Yes. Christians believe in marriage, so pursuing a girl you really like is the first step to that end.

Just make sure that you don't push things further than he is ready for, as Christianity supports abstinence up until marriage, and then only with your spouse. As for emotions, open and honest communication is always best.

Although looks are what draw people to each other initially, it is personality that keeps them interested.

Back off, walk away. That other person may not know how to tell you it's over. Maybe when you do leave, absence will make the heart grow fonder, and all the little things appreciated about you will be missed and your phone will start ringing.

Be respectful of all females. The right one will come along eventually and she is definitely worth the wait. In the meantime, study Shakespeare and continue to improve yourself as much as possible.

It is definitely okay. If someone says it isn't, they are racist.

God knows, hears, and sees all; most importantly, God forgives us of all our sins. By accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior is where you begin and continue. Keep going to church, reading your Bible, and keeping the faith.

Yes, if she wants to marry you and you treat her right. God has nothing against interracial marriage.

You can tell. You will be able to feel it in your heart.

Yes, as long as you're of a mature age and are committed. Don't get too serious in public, either.

I would say at least two years, that way you have gotten to know each other very well, likes, dislikes, good days, bad days, good hair day, bad hair day, makeup, no makeup, etc. Pray and ask God for guidance.

Think about it this way: if your girlfriend is "very religious," God is the center of her life -- her faith is the deepest and most profound part of her existence. If you do not believe as she does, she cannot really share that central part of her existence with you. That kind of unequal pairing can create a big rift in a couple's relationship, particularly one children enter the equation and the question of how they're going to be raised comes up.

Feelings are the primary difference in a romantic relationship; you don't feel the same kind of love for your friends as you do for your partner. Also, a romantic relationship can include physical touching that isn't penetration, like holding hands or kissing.

No, it is a sign that you love each other.

It is not wrong as long as you are not committing something which is against the 10 commandments.

Friends with benefits is not healthy. This is disrespectful to both of you and a waste of time in the long run. Everyone deserves to find real love. Learn to love yourself more and take your life more seriously. Keep believing in finding the right person.

No, but if these thoughts are disturbing to you, seeing a therapist might be helpful.

It is generally not a good idea. Ezra 10:18-44 talks about a lot of people that married foreigners. When the Bible talks about this, the consensus is that it means people of other religions. The Bible used the word "foreigners," as Israel was the only place that followed Judaism. We are supposed to marry people of our religion because otherwise we might be swayed away from Jesus.

Your boyfriend should stay with you because he cares about you, loves you, and is loyal to you. Sex is an intimate act reserved for husband and wife only. If your boyfriend cannot accept the fact that you are not going to have sex until marriage, he is not the right guy for you. You should end this relationship now because the two of you are incompatible.

Take a step back. Tell the other person you need a little break. If they are sincere about your relationship, they will understand. Focus on what's important.

There is no single feeling you will experience, but you will probably feel some kind of certainty that this person is "different" from other people you have dated. Things may feel more natural with them.

If you have that question, then you are probably still pretty young, and probably still with your parents and/or guardians. Ask them, as every parent has different rules and opinions about this.

If you aren't comfortable having sex before marrying him, then you need to tell him that and let him decide if he's willing to wait. If he's not, then you two will have to go your separate ways.