Daring to be different

I have started reading a book called "Making dating work: Boundaries in dating" by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend. It is a Christian book to help guide one on the smoothest possible road between singleness and marriage. It addresses the major problems that often occur in dating: issues of freedom, responsibility and maturity (self-control, godliness and purity) Here are a few quotes, from the introduction and first chapter - on boundaries and the line of truth: 

• "Boundaries are 'property lines' which define and protect you - your emotions, values, behaviours and attitudes." 
• "Boundaries help you be yourself and not lose yourself in someone else." 
• "Where there is deception there is NO relationship - truthfulness is everything."
• "Honesty is the bedrock of dating and marriage." 
• "It is one thing to have loved and lost, but it is another thing to have loved and been lied to." 
• "Do not lead someone on or allow them to deceive themselves by anything that you are doing." 
• "Lying about reality places your relationship on shaking ground."
• "In reality, a conflict-free relationship is probably a shallow relationship." 
• "People who can handle confrontation and feedback are the ones who can make relationships work." 
• "Honesty over hurt and conflict create intimacy, and it also divides people into the wise and foolish." 
• "Dating is not the place to rehabilitate someone." 
• "If your dating partner is not clear about feelings, thoughts or some other indirect communication, demand it." 
• If someone lies to you: "look at the level of repentance and change - how significantly is the person pursuing holiness and purity."

#boundariesindating

A relationship is always changing and growing, but its foundation must be secure. For dating to be a success it takes great, hard work, and must be done in a Christ-honouring, God-glorifying way: the way He created it to be - lovely, wonderful, amazing...! Without the hurt and heartache of selfish love that the world sells... 

Daring to be different in how I love...