1. Learn what their relationship with God means to them. Hear their testimony.
2. Find out about their past, especially if they are divorced, have children, or have other relevant details.
3. Don’t give up your personal life and your friendships with others.
4. Do not talk about marriage except initially (only to see if they are open to it someday and if that is something you want).
5. Can you see them as a possible teammate?
6. How important is God to them in their life?
7. Don’t be misled by good looks.
8. Is physical attraction the main attraction, or are spiritual, emotional, and intellectual attraction important too?
9. Take enough time to get to know each other and their likes and dislikes.
10. Look for Godly character and let them know you like that.
11. Take a long time before you kiss; at least four months of dating is wise.
12. Sex before marriage is not an option.
13. Don’t tell them you love them until you know it is true love.
14. Are they friendly, like-minded, respectful, kind, honest, transparent, loyal, and have integrity?
15. Do they generally seem to be more naturally positive or negative?
16. Are they emotionally stable, generally speaking?
17. Do they have any past or present addiction or issue that needs to be discussed?
18. Do they have a good sense of humor?
19. Do they communicate well, both listening and talking?
20. Try to limit to 3 dates per week at most. You can start slow; you can always increase later.
21. Pay attention if they tend to argue or debate quickly.
22. Enjoy your time together, hang out with one another, and try to have a purpose.
23. Keep both eyes open while dating, then shut one eye if you were to get married.
24. Always be the best person you can be, and help others improve.
25. Knowing each other brings them closer to God, no matter how the relationship develops.
26. Listen to them well and show them love through your actions and kind words.
27. How do they talk about others, and do they seem worthy of your trust?
28. Encourage open communication and transparency.
29. Keep the relationship a little private until it is more established.
30. Ask a mentor, a close friend, or even a counselor or pastor for advice about your situation when needed.
31. Keep in mind that just because you are dating someone does not mean it will lead to marriage.
32. Enjoy getting to know them as a brother or sister in Christ, whether or not you stay together.
33. Do they act, talk, and dress appropriately?
34. Be honest about why you are attracted to them and if that is substantial enough for a healthy relationship.
35. Remember that you want God’s will to be done, not your will!
36. Can they freely ask for forgiveness and also forgive you?
37. Remember that it is okay to be single. Yet marriage can be excellent with the right person.
38. What are their standards, values, and morals? Is it compatible with yours?
39. Go slow emotionally; do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
40. Be sure that the way you treat them is pleasing to the Lord and that your conscience is clear.
41. Please pay attention to them as you determine their character. Tell them what you admire about them.
42. There is no such thing as a perfect girlfriend or boyfriend.
43. Don’t email, text, or call too often or not enough. Ask what is comfortable for them.
44. Give and take healthy space for one another. I hope you have healthy boundaries.
45. Pay attention to red flags. Talk to them calmly and nonjudgmentally, as you would want to be talked to.
46. Determine if any negative trait is unacceptable to you. If possible, try to negotiate or make other arrangements.
47. Remember that you are not perfect, and they will not be ideal, either.
48. Think of what you consider a deal breaker before you start dating someone.
49. Pray about the relationship. Do not make any decisions based only on emotions.
50. Ideally, wait all four seasons before getting married to know them well enough.

Helpful Questions for Protecting Your Heart and Future!

Things to look for before getting into a serious dating relationship?