Category Archives: Christian Dating
Ways to Put Your Faith into Practice as a Couple
Being a Christian couple involves far more than being the pair that wears gold crosses around their necks! It entails continually growing in your walk with God, not only as individuals, but also as a joint effort.
While growing closer to your Creator is the most worthy of goals in and of itself, when you pursue this goal as a couple, you reap the added benefit of strengthening the bond you share. The closer you become to God, the closer you’ll be drawn to each other. To follow are four practical ways to do just that.
Volunteer. One of the greatest benefits of giving of your time and talent together is the opportunity to put your faith into action. Volunteering is also a great way to get to know someone as it allows you to see how they interact with others and, often, how they handle less-than-ideal situations. Try finding a volunteer opportunity that fits one of your shared passions. For example, if you’re concerned about hunger, try giving your time at a food pantry; if you love kids, try helping at an after-school program.
Pray together. Talking to God together is foundational to a strong relationship between two Christians, and it’s especially vital for Christian couples. If you’re not used to praying with your significant other, try setting aside a regular time to take just a few minutes to pray for each other and for those you care about. It may seem awkward at first, but the rewards of being a couple that prays together far outweigh any initial unease you may feel.
Learn as a couple. There’s always more to learn about the Bible and about how to live in ways that honor God, and learning together can be beneficial not only to your mind and spirit, but also to your relationship. When you take a class together, you’ll likely talk about what you’re learning with your significant other in between sessions; when you start having conversations about your faith, you not only solidify your beliefs, you also have opportunity to learn more about one another and to grow closer as a result. Try attending a Sunday school class or Bible study together, or work through a couple’s Bible study book.
Work it into your wedding. If you’re planning on getting hitched, consider how you can honor God through your wedding ceremony. For instance, consider choosing music that gives Him praise for bringing you together, or selecting favorite passages of Scripture to be read or to include in your programs.
For expressions of faith that will serve as lasting symbols of your dependence upon the Lord as a couple, try selecting Christian rings to serve as your wedding bands. Band accented with crosses, or those engraved with a verse of Scripture, are continual reminders that God brought you together and that He provides the strength to love one another as He loves you.
From serving soup to those in need to choosing Christian jewelry when selecting your wedding bands, there are plenty of practical ways to put your faith into practice as a couple. Try one to grow closer to God and to each other.
Love Means Saying You’re Sorry
The phrase “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” may sound romantic, but the truth is that apologies are essential parts of a healthy relationship. While a pair of gold earrings can help to smooth things over, it’s important to apologize in a way that will help your relationship grow.
Say it face to face. Email might be convenient, but it’s not the clearest form of communication. As you’ve probably already learned the hard way, it’s easy to misunderstand an email message because it lacks the emotion that you can convey with your body language and your tone. Emoticons are simply no match for face-to-face communication.
Own up. There’s a big difference between saying “I’m sorry you feel hurt” and taking responsibility for what you’ve done. While you may be sorry that your significant other is feeling slighted, apologizing for his or her feelings doesn’t demonstrate that you’re sorry you were the cause. Try starting with “I’m sorry I …” to show that you take responsibility for your actions.
Be specific. Which means more: “he’s a good guy” or “he goes out of his way to make me feel special, and brings me coffee each morning”? The more specific choice, right? The same thing goes when you’re apologizing: a specific “I’m sorry” is more meaningful than a general one. While this doesn’t mean that you need to rehash every detail of your mistake, you need to provide enough detail to give your apology significance. For example, instead of saying “I’m sorry I was rude,” try “I’m sorry I made fun of your cooking in front of your friends.”
Don’t place blame or rationalize. Yes, the other person may have things for which they need to apologize as well. Forget about that and focus on what you did when you apologize—this is one time in a relationship when it’s a good thing to focus on yourself. Avoid using the word “but” (for example, “I’m sorry I stayed late at the office without calling you, but you were snippy with me earlier in the day”), and simply apologize without rationalizing.
Prove yourself. Saying that you’re sorry is just the beginning. After you say the words you need to demonstrate that you mean them by changing your behavior (if the act for which you apologized was a habit) or avoiding making the same mistake again.
Go out of your way. Once you’ve apologized and begun to amend your ways, consider going out of your way to show your special someone that you value him or her. Flowers are always an appreciated gesture, but if you really want to demonstrate your love and appreciation, try a piece of jewelry such as a sparkling diamond heart pendant. By going out of your way to invest in the one you love, you can help to repair some of the damage.
Saying that you’re sorry is never fun, but it’s worth it. Try these tips for an apology that’s a step in the right direction for your relationship.
Three Jewelry Trends that Make Remarkably Romantic Gifts
Looking for a romantic gift for the special lady in your life? You’re in luck! Three of the top current jewelry trends make lovely, heartfelt gifts that will leave no question about how you feel. Vintage styles, pink topaz jewelry and pieces that feature hearts are all big right now, and each of these fads allows you to communicate your affection in a big way.
However, these trends aren’t just passing whims that will go the way of the pet rock and the Pony Express. While each of these types of jewelry is particularly popular right now, none of them ever go out of style, giving each one the potential to become a beautiful, lasting symbol of your love. Try one of these trends to say “I love you” in a way that will speak of your fashion sense as well as your affection.
1. Vintage Styles
Jewelry that’s inspired by the Victorian Era and the Art Deco Period is back, and it’s winning a lot of fans for its feminine charm and timeless appeal. Styles from the past are being given a fresh update with a rainbow of gemstones, from classics like ruby and amethyst to newer favorites like tanzanite and pink topaz (a trend in itself). Vintage Rings are not only on-trend and beautiful; they’re also fitting symbols of a love that can withstand the test of time. These designs have already proven their ability to endure as the decades pass, and by giving one of them to your special someone you let her know that your love for her will last.
2. Heart Jewelry
Hearts have long been a symbol of love, but lately they’ve been showing up in styles ranging from delicate engraved rings to dazzling, diamond-encrusted pendants to a wide variety of heart wedding bands. They’re even popping up in a wide range of engagement rings, providing meaningful twists on classic styles. Whether you’re looking for that once-in-a-lifetime piece to pull out when you pop the question or a pedant to reveal your love, it’s hard to go wrong with hearts, and right now, you have a lot of gorgeous options to choose from.
3. Pink Topaz
Pink topaz is feminine with being too frilly, and it possesses the perfect combination of sweet, sparkling charm and bold, unashamed vibrancy. Although pink is commonly associated with little girls and fairytale princesses, pink topaz provides a grown-up, sophisticated version of this shade that’s perfect for communicating a message of love in a way that’s next to impossible to ignore. Pink topaz adds a colorful zing to a wide range of styles, from classic solitaires and three-stone rings to intricately engraved Victorian designs, and any of these pieces is able to say “I love you” with unabashed color and glimmer.
Whether you choose a vintage style, a pink topaz ring or a piece of heart jewelry, your message of love will be gorgeously clear. Try a piece that incorporates one (or two or three) of these trends for a gift that’s remarkably romantic, on trend and timelessly beautiful.
Beating the Winter Blues Together
The holiday season has past and the winter still seems endless—it’s the perfect recipe for the winter blahs! Many people feel down, depressed or tired at this time of year, and if you’re one of them, you’ve probably seen that when you’re dragging, it tends to impact the one you love most.
Trying something new together is a great way to keep things fresh and beat boredom, regardless of whether you’re dealing the winter blues. Whether you tackle an unfamiliar sport or give a unique and unexpected gift such as a green amethyst ring, anything that’s out of the ordinary can shake things up just enough to counteract the blahs and add some excitement to your relationship. Try one of these ideas to brighten up your relationship this winter.
Get active. Few things shake off the winter blahs quite like getting your heart pumping, and when you do it with the one you love, you can not only do your body good but also strengthen your connection. Just about any physical activity can help you blast the blues together; try rock climbing, roller skating or even a walk in the park.
Learn a new skill. Learning something new together gives your brain a workout and gives you an opportunity to help one another and build fun memories. Try to find something that’s unfamiliar to both of you so that you can pick up on a new skills; for instance, you could take a sushi-making class or try your hand at a type of art that you never learned in high school. Or, each of you can teach the other something that you know how to do. Either way, you’ll bust out of a rut, and you’ll likely share a few good laughs.
Try an unfamiliar food. They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but sharing food can be good for a girl’s heart, too. While sharing food without screens to distract you is always a good way to bond, when you share unfamiliar grub, you can add a bit of zing to your relationship. Try a cuisine you’ve never tried or tackle a new recipe together. Regardless of whether you enjoy the results, your relationship will benefit.
Go out of your way to express your love. No matter how much you love one another, your relationship will eventually lose that “new love” luster. While the benefits of long-term relationships are many, it’s hard to deny that sometimes things get stale. However, by going out of your way to express your love, you can shake things up. Try writing that special someone a poem, stocking the fridge with his or her favorite goodies or giving a present that’s a little out of the ordinary. For example, unique gemstone rings are unexpected, but they leave no question about how you feel.
Don’t let the winter blahs dampen your relationship! Put one—or a few—of these ideas into practice for a brighter relationship and a tighter bond.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Tie the Knot
If you’ve been dating someone for a while, it’s easy to think that you all you need to know before you say “I do.” However, even if you’ve had the “kid talk,” there are still several important topics you should discuss that don’t always come up in normal conversation. Before you start wearing gold wedding rings, be sure that you ask and answer each of these questions together:
How was money handled in your family? Learning about how money was handled when your partner was growing up can provide clues as to how he or she deals with finances today, and it’s a low-pressure way to open a conversation about money. Try talking about whether your families were savers or spenders and then move on to discussing more specific issues such as how much of your income you want to spend on housing, and if and how you want to give to charitable causes.
What are you expectations regarding housework? The division of household work is often a source of contention for couples, and often, it’s because of a failure to communicate expectations. Many times, we form our presuppositions about housework in our families of origin and enter marriages without even realizing what we expect. Talk about who did what in your households when you were growing up, as well as what you’d like to differently. For example, who will be responsible for cooking dinner or cleaning the bathroom? What about paying bills? Sharing your expectations ahead of time can save you from a lot of disagreements later on.
Where do you want to be in 10 years? In other words, other than getting married, what are your goals? While having different goals isn’t necessarily a reason for concern, you do need to talk about how you can cooperate and compromise so that each of you can work toward the things that are important to you. If your goals are truly incompatible (for example, one of you wants to work on Wall Street and the other wants to work among orphans in Africa), it’s time for a serious conversation about how you’re going to make a lifelong relationship work.
How do you give and receive love? Different people communicate love in different ways, and it’s important for each of you to understand how the other gives and receives love so that you recognize the other person’s efforts to demonstrate their affection, as well as so that you can show your love for that person in a way that is meaningful. For example, some people communicate their affection through gifts such as romantic jewelry, while others offer compliments or give of their time. If you’re having trouble figuring out how you and your special someone communicate love, try asking about times when each of you really felt loved, and times when each of you felt like you effectively communicated your love. You’re likely to discover some patterns that offer helpful clues.
Don’t walk down the aisle without tacking these key questions. Yes, it takes a little effort, but it’s worth it.
Six Dates on a Dime
Did you resolve to save money this year? With news of impending tax increases, many individuals and couples have been thinking about how to live more frugally. While saving money isn’t always a ton of fun, it doesn’t have to mean resigning yourselves to evenings of watching reruns and eating ramen noodles. While it might seem that your date night options are pretty limited when you’re on a budget (especially in winter), there are plenty of fun dates that cost little or nothing, allowing you to keep your resolution to save, whether you’re trying to stow away some cash for a rainy day or have enough to buy that perfect 1 carat diamond ring. Here are six ideas to get you started:
Go to a play or concert at a local college. Many colleges and universities regularly make a wide range of plays and concerts available to the public for just a fraction of what you’d pay at a professional theater. And, you just might see a star of tomorrow.
Pack a picnic. Even if you live in an area where it’s too cold to eat outside, you can still plan a romantic picnic. Try eating by the fireplace if you have one, or simply set up candles and a blanket on the floor. The food doesn’t have to be fancy—it’s about the experience! If you have access to an outdoor fireplace, try making camping classics like hobo packets and s’mores.
Take advantage of the library. Chances are, your local library allows you to check out more than just books. Most of them also loan out vast collections of movies, allowing you to share a few flicks without spending a cent. In addition, some libraries allow you to borrow passes to local museums and other attractions, allowing you to get in for free or just a few dollars.
Break out the board games. When was the last time you played Scrabble with a board and pieces rather than on your phone? Spend an afternoon or evening playing the games that likely inspired your favorite ways to kill time on a screen.
Get active together. Whether you resolved to get in shape in the new year or you’re a regular at the gym, getting active together can be a healthy date activity for both your body and your relationship. Try a new sport, take a dance class at a community center (or just go dancing), go roller skating or bowling or even play an active video game.
Cook up some fun. Eating in is almost always cheaper than going out and it almost always generates more memories. While it’s romantic to cook for the one you love, why not try whipping up dinner together? Try making homemade pizza or tackle a new recipe.
Don’t let a budget stunt your dating life! Try one of these date on a dime ideas to give your relationship a boost and still have cash left over for a gemstone ring—or a honeymoon.
Relationship Resolutions for the New Year
Tis the season for resolutions! This year, instead of resolving to get in shape, save more money or get organized, why not make a resolution that will improve your relationship with your significant other?
Many New Year’s resolutions fall flat by Valentine’s Day, and often, it’s because they’re too vague or too lofty. However, there is a way to make a resolution that you’re likely to keep. We’re far more likely to follow through when a goal is attainable and broken down into small steps, and by setting the right goal, you can set yourself up for success.
Each of the goals to follow is actually a part of a larger goal: improving your relationship. Unlike resolutions to lose 25 pounds or run a marathon, you can fulfill any of these resolutions today. They’re measurable, doable steps that add up over time to help your relationship grow stronger.
I will give compliments. Some experts say that it takes as many as 20 bits of positive feedback to outweigh a single bit of criticism, and when that criticism comes from someone you love, it can be even more impactful. That isn’t to say that you should never offer constructive feedback, but be aware of the power of your words. Consider starting with the goal of offering at least one compliment a day and going from there. Just be sure to make your compliments sincere and thoughtful—otherwise they lose their meaning. Like a diamond pendant that is always complementary, words that build up the one you love bring out the best in that person.
I will be honest. They say that honestly is always the best policy, and it’s true. Honestly is essential to trust, and trust is essential to any lasting relationship. Sometimes being honest isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s worth it in the long run. Resolve to speak the truth in love, even when it would be easier to tell a lie.
I will say thank you. Saying thanks is a key component of a healthy relationship. It lets the other person know that they are appreciated and it helps you cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Strive to say thank you five times a day—whether for something your partner does (like take out the trash) or something he or she is (such as a good listener). Or, if you’d really like to say thank you, consider doing it with a piece of jewelry, such as a garnet ring.
I will speak well of the one I love. It’s easy to gripe to friends about all of the little things that irk you about your significant other; however, spending too much time complaining not only casts your partner in a bad light, but also changes your perception of him or her, making you more likely to notice (and be bothered by) all of those little quirks.
While building a strong relationship is a lofty goal, it’s reached by small, everyday steps such as these. Try one of these resolutions to take one step at a time.
Finding Time for Each Other at Christmas
Whether you’ve been dating for a few months, are planning your wedding or have been married for years, the Christmas season can easily become a time of year when you see less of each other. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with shopping, wrapping gifts and enjoying the festivities, these things can all cut into your couple time. Staying connected throughout the holidays often takes a little extra effort, but it’s always worth it.
If you’re planning a wedding on top of enjoying the holiday, you’re probably even busier, but it’s important to take time away from the whirlwind of seating charts and diamond engagement rings to spend some quality time together. It’s unlikely that you’ll look back on this Christmas season and wish that you had baked another batch of cookies or attended a particular party, but if you don’t spend time with the one you love most, you’re likely to regret it.
In “The Purpose-Driven Life,” Rick Warren writes,
Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.
It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. “My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.” Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is “T-I-M-E.”
In other words, the best way to show another person that we love them is by giving them our time. This statement of love becomes even stronger when there any many things competing for our time and energy. By putting the one that you love first, you demonstrate that they are more important than anything on your to-do list.
While intentionally spending time with one another is important in any stage of a relationship, it can be especially critical if your white gold engagement ring hasn’t been on your finger very long. Engagement is a time to not only prepare for a wedding, but also to prepare for marriage, and everything you do during this time helps to establish the habits you’ll keep as a married couple.
So, how do you carve out some time just for the two of you? First, you need to make it a priority. Writing together time on your calendar may not seem very romantic, but by putting it on your schedule, you’re more likely to follow through. Second, you may need to say no to a few things that won’t really matter in a month or two.
Time is at a premium at Christmas, which makes it even more precious. Don’t miss this chance to give the one your love such a valuable gift.
Creative Christmas Date Ideas
Has the busyness of the Christmas season taken a bite out of your time with the person you care about the most? December is often packed with commitments and extra responsibilities, and while many of these activities are fun, they can cut into the quality time you spend with that special someone.
Planning a Christmas date allows you to reconnect and enjoy the season together rather than rushing from one thing to the next. Put one of these date night ideas on your calendar to ensure that you get some quality time together this December. You may even start a new tradition!
Tour the holiday lights. While there are plenty of light displays that you can drive through for a fee, there’s a good chance that there’s a brightly-decorated neighborhood nearby that you can enjoy for free. If weather permits, view the lights on foot—there are few things more romantic than walking hand in hand down sparkling streets! If not, fill a thermos with hot chocolate and take a self-guided driving tour.
Get baking. Few things get you in a festive mood quite like baking Christmas cookies can. If you’re not big on measuring and mixing, pick up a package of prepared cookie dough and break out the red and green sprinkles—just be sure to remove any diamond rings before you get your hands in the dough. After your creations cool, consider delivering them to friends and family together or a taking a tray or two to a deserving organization in your community.
Go sledding. It’s hard to feel stressed about your holiday to-do list when you’re flying down a snowy hill with the one you love. Find a toboggan or another sizeable sled so that you can ride together and get ready for a lot of laughs (and maybe a few screams). Once you get tired of trudging back up the hill, have a snowball fight or head to your favorite coffee shop for a warming drink.
Construct a gingerbread house. Getting creative together is a great way to bond, and it can be a ton of fun! If you’re feeling ambitious, bake your own gingerbread; if not, build your house out of graham crackers and purchased icing. (You can even use a small cardboard box to give your house stability.) Decorating your house together allows you to fuse your personal styles and then admire what you’ve created by working together.
Plan a fireside picnic. Christmas is the perfect time for a picnic by the fireplace. Spread a blanket nearby and enjoy a leisurely meal as you watch the flames dance. (Or, if you don’t have a fireplace, eat by the Christmas tree.)The food doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy—try fruit, cheese and bread or purchased fondue and dippers. If you have a gift of romantic jewelry up your sleeve, consider presenting it when you finish eating to cap off an evening that won’t soon be forgotten.
Don’t let the season go by without spending some quality time with the one you love most! Try one of these date ideas to reconnect and create a Christmas memory.
Say Thanks to Say I Love You
Whether you’ve just started dating or you’ve been wearing yellow gold wedding bands for years, saying thank you is a vital piece of a healthy relationship. It doesn’t take long to express gratitude, nor does it take a lot of effort, but the payoff is huge, especially when you making saying thanks a habit.
Saying thank you is something that many of us learn to do as children, and it’s a habit that we should never outgrow. However, expressing gratitude shouldn’t merely be a habit like brushing your teeth or always tying your left shoe first. If you only say thank you because it’s what you’re used to doing, you miss out on the benefits of expressing your thanks, both for yourself and for your relationship.
When you take time to truly appreciate someone, it changes you. For example, if you take time to look your significant other in the eye and tell him why you appreciate him picking up your favorite takeout on a busy evening, you’ll feel much more gratitude than if you had half-heartedly mumbled “thanks for dinner” as you started to chow down.
Simply recognizing the specific things for which you’re thankful and expressing why you’re thankful for them cultivates an attitude of gratitude that helps you see the person you love in a more positive light. Research has even shown that being thankful can stave off depression. Even if saying thanks had no impact on your relationship, it would be worth it; however, the reality is that saying thank you is a key component in building a lasting bond between two people.
When you thank your partner for something they’ve done (Thanks for giving me a ride! You know how much I hate driving in the city and getting a ride from you was a big relief.) or for something they are (Thanks for being such a good listener.) you let them know that you appreciate them. Feeling appreciated in important in any relationship, but it’s crucial in a romantic relationship. No one wants to feel as if they and their contributions have gone unnoticed, and by demonstrating that you notice and appreciate your partner, you let them know that not only do you recognize their contributions; you value what they do and who they are.
Saying thank you for the little things can have a big impact over time as it grows in you an attitude of gratitude and reinforces your love and appreciation. If you have a hard time remembering to say thank you to the person you love most, consider designating something that you regularly see, such as a piece of jewelry, as a reminder. For married couples, wedding bands can serve this purpose, but that’s far from your only option. Just choose anything that you see often enough to make it an effective gratitude aid.
In a roundabout way, saying thank you is one way to say I love you. It communicates that you value the other person and, over time, it’s an essential building block in a lasting relationship. What’s not to love about that?
