I watched a series tonight on intimate relationships. I came away with a few core ideas:
- We are dating to marry someone.
- There are many "soulmates".
- Text people back; don't play games.
- Sex obscures our ability to reason.
- People change, and successful relationships adapt.
We want to build relationships with a foundation of trust so that when things inevitably get hard, they don't shatter. Instead, they rebound.
On the point of not playing games, we can take it one step further and be transparent about our intentions. For example, after a date, we can indicate that we will call the following evening with the intention of asking them on another date. We can further make them more comfortable by acknowledging there is no pressure by saying, "If that's something you're into, then great, but otherwise feel free to say no, I won't be hurt by it."
On the point about how sex obscures our reason, if we want to have a clear mind, then we will be celibate in relationships before marriage, so that we can make decisions logically without complicating how we feel about the other person.
Lastly, if we create a solid foundation of trust before our partner inevitably changes, then we will be able to adapt to one another. Common interests can fade, but love built on faith is everlasting.