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OK! ONTO THE POST!
So I went on a date yesterday.
I know. Call the press. This is BIG.
haha Juuuuust kidding. But it was a bit of excitement for a weekday evening.
It was one of those things that I just made myself do.
I’m trying to be open to love, open to God’s plan for my life. And as you know, in recent months, I’ve finally begun the process of learning how to accept love.
It’s been a long and arduous journey, but here we are. Home stretch of 2018. It’s time for me to start dating.
And since Zac Efron is not in my direct proximity here in NYC, I decided to let one of my friends download a dating app onto my phone.
Which, I only agreed to because this particular one showed whether the guy is Christian or not — in addition to his age, job title and height.
So, I matched with this seemingly perfect guy: Christian. Incredible job. Former D1 collegiate athlete. Corner unit of a luxury high rise that overlooked lower Manhattan. And he legitimately looked like a Ken Doll. We’re talking — cheek bones that could cut glass and a jaw line that would make Ashton Kutcher jealous.

I was expecting greatness.
And to be fair, I did have a great time. But more than that, I learned a lot about myself.

We went to this swanky bar. I got all dressed up and felt a bit like a princess. The conversation, though not the most riveting…I mean hello – it was a first date — never lulled for a full two and a half hours.
And aside from dodging his attempt at a kiss goodnight with an extra enthusiastic, “I’M A HUGGER!” line — there was no awkwardness to speak of. I was a smooth operator. He even invited me out again this weekend.
But here’s the thing. This guy (who for the record doesn’t know this blog exists, or that I am even a writer) exhibited several red flags that I couldn’t help but take note of.
For starters, he dropped the F-Bomb within five minutes of our conversation. And then proceeded to use it 7 more times throughout the night. And yes – I was counting.

Look, I’m not looking for St. Michael. I don’t care if you curse. I have been known to throw around a few four letter words every now and then. But not on a first date. Be a gentleman. I am a lady, gosh darn it — show a little respect.

So that kinda got my radar up.
The nail in the coffin for me, though, was when he talked about how he recently took some hallucinogenic drugs at a music festival. And I’m not talking about weed. We’re talking get-you-locked-up, hard drug.
And he was bragging about it.
And again, to each his own. If a person chooses to take drugs – that’s their decision, and I am not going to judge them on it. But I can tell you, that that man will not be the father of my children.
But here’s the kicker.
This guy’s job is one that he can be randomly drug tested at any time. And if he fails that test, he would lose his job. Not like, oh just get another job. No. This is like, he’d never be able to work in his job field ever again.
So I was just blown away by how irresponsibly stupid his decision was to do that. Several times.
Red flag.
Big, bright, flashing red flag.
At the end of the night, coming home, I had a pit in my stomach. Because I knew I was going to have to let this guy down.
And the people pleaser in me hates disappointing people. Especially when it comes to personal matters.
But riding home in my Uber that night, I had an epiphany.
I finally realized what I deserved.
I finally saw my worth in a very tangible way.

Sure, this guy was great on paper. But the fact is: I deserve more than what this guy was offering. I deserve to be respected, and treated as the gem that I am. I am worth that.
I deserve to be in a relationship where trust is not an issue – where I don’t have to worry about the potential for drug abuse problems, or whether my husband will be able to stay clean, especially when there are children in the picture.
And look. Yes, I get it – it was a first date. Maybe you’re thinking, “Jeeze, getting ahead of yourself, much? Pump the breaks on the marriage and kids thoughts!”
Well, to that, I politely say, No.

Because here’s the deal: I’m not just dating to “date around” and “have fun.”
I’m looking for the man I’m supposed to marry.
And so you better believe that I will always always be evaluating him on that fact. And as soon as I don’t feel it anymore, I don’t want to waste my time, but more importantly, his time either by leading him on or letting things just stall because I’m afraid to hurt some feelings.
There is a man out there that God is preparing. He’s preparing my heart, and He’s preparing his. And I trust that He is going to bring him into my life at the precise time, when we both are ready.
Am I glad that I went yesterday?
Absolutely.
I learned that:
A) dating isn’t as scary as I thought it would be.
B) I’m actually not that bad at it.
and
C) I shouldn’t feel badly about not compromising my high standards, because I am worth it.
I’m no saint. You all know my sordid past, and all the skeletons in my closet that I will one day have to share with my future husband. So I fully understand and appreciate that compromise and understanding and grace are two-way streets. And I’m going to be so blessed and grateful for a man who will accept all of me, as I will him.
But I’m allowed to be choosy, and recognize any scary red flags when I see them.
Moral of the story: I’ve just got to keep putting myself in play. Because God will work His agenda, but I’ve gotta meet Him half way.
And finally FINALLY — maybe those dating apps just aren’t for me.
I think I’d rather be introduced by a friend. 🙂
How did you meet your significant other? What’s your best piece of dating advice? I’m ALL EARS!
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I love that you’re including us as a ride-along! LOL… you did awesome, and YES!!! You were so good to notice those red flags. We all know that you won’t find Mr. Perfect, cause he doesn’t exist. But… you absolutely are worth a man much better than that dude! Anyone who’s affiliated with a church or whose parent might be religious will claim “Christianity”. It’s another thing to find someone who has Jesus on the throne of his life… I was told to always ask…”but do you love Jesus?” …which I didn’t follow when it was the most crucial. I met my hubby almost 16 years ago and our first few dates were full of debates about fundamental issues. We still coudn’t get enough of each other even though we were polar opposites. We ended up getting pregnant right away and having a shotgun wedding. 15 years and 2 additional kids later, he finally surrendered to Jesus and we finally have the home I always dreamed of. So…in a nutshell… definitely be picky, you are worth it! But also know that whatever his shortcomings are (which he will surely have)… God is bigger than them. He will use them for good in both of your lives and marriage isn’t meant to make you happy, it’s meant to make you holy. Be patient, be open, be wise…and above all be willing to trust God to lead you one step at a time! ❤ you got this, my friend!
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Haha thank you Nita! Thanks for this awesome advice. You’re so right about that — be patient, open, wise, and willing to trust God! That perfectly sums it up! Hugs and love xox
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Interesting post. It sounds like you did the right thing passing on this guy. Would you have responded differently to him if his drug use was in the past and he was in recovery? Thoughtful post as always.
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Thank you friend. That’s a really great question. I’d definitely have to pray about it! Hugs and love xox
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You SHOULD be choosey! You are worth it. The F bomb I could probably forgive, but I have no give on illegal drugs. PLUS I’d worry about him slipping you something. Good job getting out there, and good job knowing he aint the right one.
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Thanks Tony, I appreciate this encouragement. Yeah that’s a great point. I have a no give on illegal drugs too. Hugs and love xox
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You’re doing great!! Do not settle for less than you deserve. God has the perfect man for you. Pray for him as you wait! And do not get anxious. He’s on his way.
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Thank you so much! Yes! Gotta pray for him 🙂 that’s such a great idea! Hugs and love xox
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Wow, well at least he showed his faults early on. It’s not always easy to admit them early on but he didn’t seem to mind that he was a drug user. Don’t feel bad that you have to let this guy down. Feel bad for him that he has to take drugs in order to feel happiness and that he has to use foul language in order to have a conversation.
He does need help for the drug use. Many homeless people exist due to them abusing drugs so while he isn’t what you are looking for (well drug addicts are not good potential mates) he certainly does need help to curb his addiction.
Here’s to hoping dating will be better for you but at the very least, you want to see their faults when dating and not when you are living with one of them. That way you can be with the person you are meant to be with and you can deal with the faults they do have. Marriage can be a trying thing too so remember to be patient there when the time comes.
Good luck with your husband search.
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Thanks friend for this encouragement. You’re so right about that – patience is so important in dating and marriage alike. Hi
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**hugs x
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I’m happy to hear that you stood by your own standards. I hated it when people used to tell me to settle down with a relative best… when I was 15… Besides that point, I met my soulmate in high school, started dating during the end of our senior year, and continued through this day (after college and now grad school). I’m a fully devoted Catholic; he’s an atheist. When I was a teen, I didn’t think the relationship would last because of this. But, honestly, I have never met a more perfect partner for me. I think God operates through people in different ways, and despite our differences, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s the ~magical~ one.
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Thank you so much friend, for sharing your love story! I think you’re right about that! So glad you’ve found him! Hugs and love xox
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Thank you for writing this. I know that there are many girls out there that need to know that they don’t have to settle. I am glad that you know this to be true!
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Thank you so much Katie 🙂 yes! We all deserve to keep our standards high! Thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox
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When it comes to the world of online dating, I follow two rules (above and beyond the qualities I’m looking for): 1- approach each date with low expectations, it’s easier to be pleasantly surprised that way, and 2- it’s okay to have high standards, because a relationship lasts much longer than a couple dates. And the right one will last the rest of my life. Glad to hear you found the positives in this experience, and I hope you continue you approach life with the same energy and enthusiasm!
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Thanks so much Luke 🙂 those are terrific rules! I am definitely going to adopt them! Thanks! Hugs and love xox
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I’m dreading the whole dating part myself because I’ve been away from it for a while now. But I’m gonna take your advice and read the red flags if any cause they matter.
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Thanks Tanya. Yeah – I was nervous about jumping back in but it definitely wasn’t as scary as I thought! Hugs and love xox
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Hello lovely! I first and foremost want to applaud you on standing up for yourself and seeing the Truth that you are WORTH IT. Makes my heart warm. I do have to say that I believe it is dangerous to assert that we are not called to judge the actions of others (in a denotative, discerning manner). We are NOT called to condemn, but to discern healthy and Jesus-loving actions and call actions that are not such out when we establish the matter is not a pattern in our own lives. And if this man claims Christ’s name, by all means, call him on drug usage–that is not Biblical behavior. You go girl!
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Thank you so much friend 🙂 that’s so true – it called to condemn but to discern whether or not this is the man God has planned for us! Hugs and love xox
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Wow, I was just taken aback with this one. You are in that stage of learning that is not easy. You are the quality that does not require being on display for anybody. You may find what you are looking for when you stop looking. On the upside, you are able to gain wisdom through doing. I admire your spunk. I send you my most powerful thoughts for happiness. Keep up the good work and continue to gain wisdom.
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Thank you friend. My spunk:) hehe that made my day! Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement! Gg
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*hugs
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I’m sorry but the infamous dodging of the kiss was classic.😂😂😂
I think i actually broken 2 of my ribs laughing.
thx!
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Hahaha oh good! That’s why I included it. Mission accomplished. 🙂 thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
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Lol.😂 naw thank you and have a blessed one.✌
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✨💛✨
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👉💛😇✌
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“How did you meet your significant other? What’s your best piece of dating advice? I’m ALL EARS!”
I met my wife while not looking for a mate at all, travelling 1,200 miles to visit my mother and meeting her in my small hometown. And she wasn’t from there but from Chicago! What are the odds of that! LOL! We’ve been married quite happily for 38 years as of last week. 🙂
There’s a lot of advice I could give, a few here. Be very patient. It’s better to be single than wish you were. Besides that, the more relationally healthy you are the more the other person you will attract will be the same. Also, make sure you’re both going in the same direction in life goals, values, etc. Finally, remember that there’s nothing in our culture that will hold your marriage together. We must learn to be governed from within, empowered by God who is called Love. He makes the impossible possible.
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Oh wow what a beautiful love story! Thanks so much for sharing that. And congrats on 38 years! That’s really something to celebrate! Awesome advice. Thank you! Hugs and love xox
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It’s so important to listen to your intuition on these things! I met my hubby 5 years ago on the online dating site Ok Cupid after years of terrible dates with perfect-on-paper men. Before doing so, I made a 100+ item list of traits I wanted in a man; I split into non-negotiable and nice to have, and then prioritized my essentials… those top traits were absolutely required to start dating someone, or continue dating if I only found out later.
Like you, I went into it with intention. I literally had a list of 10+ high-standard prerequisites on my dating profile to deter the wrong people… putting the effort into expressing exactly what I wanted attracted higher caliber men, and made me more confident in my own self-worth. My naive 24-year-old self though my expectations were too high…impossible.
My first (and only) online dating date was my now-hubby. On our first date, I knew that he would be the man I would marry… I don’t know how, but I knew that in my heart. He met every single non-negotiable I had pre-set, and it simply felt right.
The advice I would offer: Know what you deserve, define what you desire, be open to love, be patient with God, and keep your eyes open–when you meet your future spouse, your heart will tell you.
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Thank you so much for sharing your love story! Gives me great hope! That’s awesome advice — thank you for that! Hugs and love xox
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Thank you for this. The dating world is so scary and big and it feels quite isolating at times, especially after a bad date. Thank you for your honesty in sharing your experience and giving a bit of solidarity to all of us out there.
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Thank you so much for this beautiful encouragement. It really means a lot!! Hugs and love xox
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You are right on target!! I love your approach!! Prayers for you!!
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Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! Means the world! Hugs and love xox
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Such a great blog post! We should never settle for less than what we think and know we deserve! Period! And I say this all the time, we have to value and respect others people time. I’m glad you let him know there would be no other dates right after the first one. Clean break, lol! Dating isn’t bad but it can be frustrating especially when you know you’re great and put in effort and the other person doesn’t.
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Thank you friend 🙂 you’re so right! Never settle. Hugs and love xox
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You’re very welcome! Thanks for the continuous great post!
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✨💛✨
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Very interesting read of the day💕💕💕 wish you good luck my dear💐
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Thank you Nidhi! Hugs and love xox
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Love and peace 💐🙋🍫
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💛✌🏼💛✌🏼💛
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Love this, especially realizing you shouldn’t feel guilt about not compromising your standards. Stay true to yourself!!! My husband and I met through my best friend and his best friend. We will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this year!!! Thank you for sharing your journey 💕
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Aw thank you so much Lisa! I’m so glad this resonated with you. And thank you for sharing your beautiful love story! Congratulations on 30 years! That’s really something to celebrate! Hugs and love XOXO
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Wow.. a first date! another stepping stone lol.. but those red flags you saw are reaaally crimson to me and the dating sites/app thingey whether christian sites or not blah blah blah are a “no no” for me.. I don’t trust ’em (Just sayin’) ..cos I believe my creators plan for my soulmate doesn’t involve ’em… (I’m starting to sound like my granny lol)
But I’m sure you’ll find ‘him’ soon because the biggest HIM is up there leading you to him.
And safe journey.
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Thanks haha yeah there’s a lot of wisdom there. Amen to that! Thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
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He’s out there somewhere – you seem very nice and attractive!
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Thank you Braeden! That’s kind of you to say! Hugs and love xox
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My pleasure – whoever you find he will be so lucky!
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✨💛✨
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Hey sis’! You’ve done the right thing. I had to learn the “Red Flags” system when it comes to meeting a gentleman. It’s a tough process, but you will get through it; God will make sure of that. Just like you, I’m a single woman as well and I also am waiting for God to prepare both him and myself to eventually find one another soon. We can only operate on the Lord’s Time.
When I was in high school, I met and dated the man of my dreams, and after he left for college, 2 years later, he passed away. He attended a party and someone spiked his drink. Not only that, but he didn’t have enough food in his system to soak up the alcohol. After his loss, I met someone online. The only thing was that we had a long distance relationship. I was one of those people that wanted to prove everyone wrong and that that type of relationship does work, but, in the end, despite us being together for years and him traveling to see me, we both grew tired of the same thing: Traveling to spend time with one another. So, we just remained as friends.
I met a few guys that loved to drop more than F-bombs too, which did ache the heck out of my heart. I mean, I agree with you that people just need to release some stress, especially since I have a family that is quick to drop a word on you if you upset them, but I experienced that same thing to on a first date.
My suggestion to you is keep being the smart and unique woman that you are. You do deserve the best that God has in store for your life overall. My best piece of advice is listen to your heart and pray about it and over it. Some may not believe in prayer, but I’m a woman that does. It’s key to pay attention to their conversations with you, just like you had,
Men that I wanted to date and interact with more sought sex to come out of me. THAT IS A BIG RED FLAG I kept receiving from them. Lol. One smoked, one had kids (no problem) but was flirting on his phone while he was visiting and talking right next to me in his car (BIG PROBLEM), and another didn’t want to go out to a show and to dinner, but to only visit his home a couple cities away from me… to have sex. This BIG RED FLAG was flagging and sounding like a police siren, girl. LOL.
Stay safe and don’t believe for a second that you’re doing anything wrong, because, if anything,You are a smart woman! Love ya’ and chat soon. 🙂
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Thanks so much for sharing your story. Gosh I’m so sorry that you had to go through that. My heart breaks hearing that. And thank you for the powerful advice. So much wisdom here! God is preparing the men He has in store for us! I’ll be praying for you! Thanks again for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox
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Thank you so much for your inspiration and your prayers for me! I appreciate them and needed that as you are in my prayers as well. Stay strong, Sis’! 🙂
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🙂 xox
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You didn’t have to “let him down”. He let YOU down by presenting himself in a false light, and by thinking you wouldn’t be smart enough to notice. The only way he can get a date is by lying. I’d try it if I didn’t have integrity getting in the way.
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Thanks Steve that’s a great way to look at it. Hugs and love xox
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Very wise. I decided to date a similar guy just for fun and now I’m a single mom fighting to keep his heart guarded. There is so much peace knowing that God loves and protects my child more than I ever could, though!
I have no dating advice as being a mama to a toddler boy is keeps me quite busy, but I completely agree with preferring direct introductions over dating apps.
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Thank you Tasha! I really appreciate your encouragement. I like direct intros too! Hugs and love xox
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My wife and I met on the Internet. Via a Christian music chatroom. We’ll be 16 years married in 11 days. We didn’t follow the usual way of doing things. We were c. 360 miles apart most of the time. So, don’t give up on the app just yet. It may not happen first time, but you never know what’s next… 😀
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful love story! Congrats on 16 years! Gives me great hope 🙂 Hugs and love xox
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I’m having insomnia tonight because I probably shouldn’t have had coffee too late in the day. I enjoyed your post a lot. It made me laugh because I too am very choosy. I feel bad a out it sometimes. But your blog made me accept it, and feel okay with it. You’re right, God has a plan.
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Thanks Ana. I’m glad this resonated with you 🙂 I hope you can get some sleep! Hugs and love xox
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Good for you. Very smart way to go about in the dating scene. Bravo! My dating story in meeting my hubby is too long to type here. Suffice it to say, I was in a different place and mindset than you by the time I met my husband. But I do believe God brought us together. Happy Monday!
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Thanks Dot 🙂 yes! God works in mysterious ways! Hugs and love xox
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As somebody who went from one toxic relationship to another for 12 years then trust me, nothing wrong with getting your guard up and knowing what you want. I dont regret any of it because without that I wouldnt have ended up with my (now ex) wife (she wasn’t one of the toxic relationships just to clarify) and as a result I wouldnt have those beautiful girls. They are my anchor in these troubling times.
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Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry you’ve gone through difficult seasons. Yes – your girls are a blessing. Hugs and love xox
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I’m very proud of you for getting out of your comfort zone and going on that date! I like a boy in my Catholic group and I’m half wishing he’ll ask me on a date and half terrified about that possibility because, what if it goes wrong? I’m not afraid of making a fool of myself, I’m an expert on that haha. But I’m afraid I’ll discover some “red flag” and then have to turn him down. And then keep seeing him every Friday. That would be mortifying.
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Thank you Paola. I appreciate your encouragement! I hope he does! You’ll have to keep me posted 🙂 I’ll be praying for ya! Hugs and love xox
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Good things are coming your way, I’m sure of it. The husband of your dreams will emerge.
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Thank you Eric, I sure hope so! Hugs and love xox
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Hang in there, its like you said, if its meant to be, it will be. My friends were always encouraging me to go out. “How are you ever going to meet someone if you never come out!?” I’m very independant but didnt really have the time or the want to go find someone. But, go figure, I end up buying a house and the love of my life/now husband was my neighbor! I still like to rub it in my friends faces. Either you will find your love or he will find you, it’s meant to be.
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Thank you friend. Oh wow!! That’s such a fun story! Mr. Rogers would be proud:) hehe Hugs and love xox
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Pray and wait for someone who loves Jesus more than anything else.
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Thank you friend. That is the best advice. Hugs and love xox
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And for someone who you can follow without a second thought. Who will lead you in life and spiritually in a way that honors the Lord.
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Yes!!! Amen. Your advice rocks x
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Dearest, what you described in this blog is what we are advised in the scriptures to seek, wisdom! Yes, an excellent woman is worth FAR more than jewels! I am truly not trying to “piggyback” promote my blog on yours but I am writing a series of blogs on the Pr 31 Woman. I think you’d appreciate especially the one titled “You are worth more than diamonds! She was worth far more than jewels BEFORE she was found by the man God prepared for her! Yes, you are sweet sister in Christ!
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This post is filled with the truth of understanding our value in the Lord alone and actually applying it in our daily life. Don’t ever feel like your Christlike standards are too high because you only need one man to meet them and God honors that. I have extremely high standards and only ever dated the man I have been married to for 2.5 years now. Also don’t believe the world, and well meaning people, telling you singleness is a problem to be fixed. It is a limited time gift from God where you have different opportunities to serve in ways that wives and mothers simply cannot. Enjoy it and continue serving God wholeheartedly!
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Thank you so much Sonya, I really appreciate your kind words. You’re right – it is a limited time gift from God – I love that perspective! thanks! Hugs and love xox
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This was a fun post! Thank you for sharing your dating stories. I’m hopeful God will send you a great man who is more than you can even imagine as the best! I wrote about the best piece of dating advice I ever got a few blogs ago…and the best part…it was unsolicited AND helpful!
https://findingourhope.wordpress.com/2018/08/11/she-looks-like-jesus/
Keep up the good fight!
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Thank you so much Matt! That’s really kind of you to say. can’t wait to read your piece! Hugs and love xox
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Fellow Christian. Thank you for a great piece (but my heart goes out to this gentleman). Praying for you.
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Thank you for your prayers and kind words! Hugs and love xox
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Well done. Seriously. You’ve made the right decision. And that red flag came along nice and early which is great. I did online dating for four years before I finally met my complete and utter soulmate … yes, there is such a thing. One thing that I’ve learnt is this, the red flags that I chose to ignore (due to the excitement which is to be expected) at the beginning of any relationship have always, without exception, been the reason for the demise in the relationship. You’re a beautiful girl with many talents – let them chase you, you just get to do the fun bit, the choosing! Enjoy. Katie xx
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Thank you Katie. That’s great advice – always pay attention to the red flags. So glad you’ve found your soulmate! That’s wonderful!! Hugs and love xox
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👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Yes! Proud of you!!!
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Thank you so much!! Hugs and love xox
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You know I’m totally oblivious, Caralyn, but here’s what happened over the last three weeks: I’m sitting next to this woman in Advertising and Marketing class at HMI, and she’s handing me peanuts and dried apricot patties. I warn her that she’s spoiling me, and when they see this a number of men come around at break to break it up. But she had revealed something to me about her past, and as class wound up I ended up whispering into her ear that her grace was waiting to be revealed. Everyone else left while we were talking, our faces just a few inches apart, and this beautiful, trusting light filled her eyes.
Two weeks later she was gesturing during conversation and I stopped and told her “Do you realize that you’re touching my heart right now?” She slowed down as I smiled with joy and raised her hand over my breastbone. It felt wonderful, so she kept on pushing her grace into my heart and then all the grief that I have been carrying around spilled out of me. I actually started weeping and she just opened her arms to give me a hug.
So what’s left to fight, huh?
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Hey Brian! Oh my goodness what a touching story! This just filled my heart with so much joy! So happy for you! Hugs and love xox
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Knowing one’s worth is so important but knowing what one will accept and being comfortable with that is empowering.
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Thanks so much for your encouraging words! Hugs and love xox
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After 344 comments, I’m not sure what I can add, but I can’t imagine swearing on a first date because, if for no other reason, you’re trying to make a first impression. Of course, I haven’t been on a first date in nearly 40 years, so the rules might have changed.
When you mentioned he didn’t know about this blog or that you’re a writer, I immediately thought, “He doesn’t know how to use Google?”. Then I realized that nowhere here or on your products do you mention your name, so it is very likely he won’t find this. Since anyone who blogs or facebooks or tweets has left behind digital footprints, we can be very easy to find. As an actress, since you have to put your face out there, it’s probably even more true.
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Yeah first impressions certainly go a long way! Thank you so much James 🙂 yeah – every night I pray that my identity stays hidden from the dreaded google search!! Haha Hugs and love xox
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Yay Caralyn! Congrats on putting yourself out there, and most importantly, realizing your worth in Christ. I met my fiance on a dating app lol, but I’m not sure if my results are typical. You definitely deserve someone who treats you with respect, and like the lady that you are. A Godly man walks with integrity and is definitely worth waiting for. Although he can’t be perfect, he’s always striving to become more like Christ and will encourage you to do the same!
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Awww thank you so much Emily!! And thanks for sharing your story! That gives me great hope 🙂 thanks for the encouragement! Hugs and love xox
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This is too good! I’ve never dated, so I think I came across the right post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks so much Sonia! So glad it resonated with you! I feel ya lady – take your time! There’s no rush. 🙂 Hugs and love xox
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Thankyou ❤️
God bless you too!
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xoxoxo 🙂
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I’m sorry your first date didn’t exactly how you expected. As I’m sure many ppl have already commented, do not settle. The drug thing definately a red flag in my book. It’s further compounded by the fact his job drug tests randomly. It is he doesn’t care, was it a one time thing or is there a dependency issue? I’m not judging, I’ve just seen how drugs can effect not only the user but the people around them. Sorry for the rant and I hope that you next date goes better. Unfortunately I can’t offer any good opinions on dating apps etc. My wife and I were high school sweethearts who found each other again through the power of Facebook.
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Hey friend! Oh my gosh what a beautiful love story you have with your wife! Thank you for sharing! Gotta love the power of Facebook! Haha thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox
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Great work you do here
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Thank you so much friend. Hugs and love xox
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Hello. I enjoyed your article on BAD first date. And I appreciate your observations and analysis of the (ahem) person in question. And hurray for the strength to frankly say, “no, not for me.” You welcomed any dating advise…and I have a kind of round about suggestion. I’ve been married 38 years…whoa! And I remember hearing advise when I was a younger Christian woman. It was this: get involved in some kind of Christian service…something you WANT to be involved in. It’s a great place to get to know the people that you work side-by-side together with. You get to see and know people “in action”. Dates are more “best behavior” kind of situations. But an involvement in “real work” gives you a realtime view of what kind of persons your co-workers are. You see their character in action. This might not be a guarantee of finding a husband, but at least you might get to observe someone on a long range basis. Being active in a home church small groups can work similarly. Of course, God is super, super creative and is able to bring together people in the most unexpected and unlooked for ways. God bless you!
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Thank you so much Phoebe! And wow congrats on 38 years! That’s really something to celebrate. Thank you for such great advice. You’re so right! God is incredibly creative!! I mean, heck look at a flamingo! CREATIVE! Haha Hugs and love xox
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Trust your instincts they will always lead you right. Glad you took a chance so now you know. I met my husband just when I had vowed never to date again and of all places Shoney’s . When I stopped looking God brought him into my life so it will happen when you least expect it. With your beauty inside and out how can it not. God is waiting for that right one, maybe not that perfect one but the right one. Blessings.
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Thank you Corrie for sharing your love story! You’re so right – it’s when we stop looking for it that God will make it happen. I do definitely believe that. This gave me such hope this morning, Corrie so thank you! Have a beautiful weekend! Hugs and love xox
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Baby! Listen up! You are absolutely right. Our Father is, has ALWAYS been working out ALL good things for you, but! No. Contrary to what’s believed? You do not need to meet Him ‘half way’!
You must let Him do the good work for you ALL the way. Let be and be still. Our clocks are broke. His clock? Exactly on time for every minute detail of our lives.
I thank and honor Him for your beautiful high standards. Fear not. Rejoice! Father is in control of it all!
Much love, thia. 🙂
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awww, you are so sweet, Thia! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! haha I LOVE that — our clocks are broken! so true! haha Hugs and love xox
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Isn’t that something? My clock? tickling me nowadays. Hahaha! In one day the Bipolar clock? Swings up! Like magic. Read the next post to get my meaning. Humor instead of anger is my motto nowadays. Have a good one! Later! Not much later I hope! lol 🙂
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Humor really is the best remedy 🙂
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Hi there,
Happy to hear you’ve got the Willingness and the Courage, taking the chance at Dating.
Firstly – you need to keep your Standards and live with them, if not then any less than Desirable man may pop up in your life!
You can count yourself lucky for be willing to Date,
Not saying I’m such a good Judge of People,
But until now in my life – I don’t even reach the Dating Point,
Seeing very easily what I don’t like in the Women who cross my path.
At times it’s very Difficult to say the least,
But I do know, as things had Radically Changed for me as well over the past few Weeks,
God at changed the Path I have to take in Reaching my Dreams in a Totally different Direction.
If you are willing to follow the Path,
Even if there’s a Turn-off at some Point,
You would Eventually reach where you’d like to get to,
Meeting the Man set on your way as well,
You’d never know who He might be.
Keeping your Eyes open for those Red Flags is a good thing
And the Willingness to take Life’s Chances,
Sounds very good for you.
All the Best to you,
Hope that things would work out for you as well,
Hope for more than one Plan, Dream and Path – Plan on my way as well.
Have a good one.
P.S.: I’ve found that Apps don’t work as well as meeting People in Person, as well as maybe reading their mail they send me,
As well, being a Writer like you – I do tend to Figure people out pretty fast; especially when they like to waste my time.
Read you later!
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Thank you for this thoughtful encouragement. A willingness to take life’s chances – sounds like a great idea! Hugs and love xox
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