Boundaries in Christian dating, without the weirdness.
"Boundaries" can sound like a youth group lecture. Really they're just decisions you make ahead of time, when you're thinking clearly, so you don't have to make them at midnight on a couch.
The kinds that matter
- Physical. Decide together what you're saving for marriage, and talk about it early. If you only talk about it in the moment, the moment wins.
- Emotional. Don't hand someone the whole story of your life on date two. Let trust grow at the speed it's earned.
- Time. Keep your friends, your church, your hobbies. If the relationship eats your whole life, something's off.
- Digital. Texting all day, every day, builds intimacy fast and fake. Leave room to miss each other.
If they push back
Someone who mocks or keeps testing your boundaries is telling you something important. Someone who respects them, even when they don't love them, is someone you can build with.
"Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way." 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (WEB)