Having interests in common can be a great foundation for a relationship, and almost every relationship starts with a date! That first meet up can be a great opportunity to explore a shared interest or try something new – or just a great opportunity to get lunch! We’ve learned of so many great #MetOnCC date ideas, we’ve created a blog series to share them. Here are the dates from D to L of just some of the real life Christian Connection couples’ dating ideas they’ve shared.

Friendship as the foundation of any relationship has immense benefits. As you get to know someone, you start to notice things about them: what they like and don’t like, their favourite foods, places they like to shop, style of dressing, etc. True friendship though, goes beyond just surface level. A deeper friendship is required if you truly want to get to know someone – especially in a romantic relationship that you want to go the distance.

Time is of the essence, so the saying goes, and when we’re single and looking for love, it’s only natural to want to make things happen. But how do we know when it’s the right time to date? Or to progress a budding relationship to the next stage? Here are three questions to ask yourself that will help you to know if you’re rushing in before you’re ready, or if you’re procrastinating because you’re afraid.

When going on a trip, it’s always good to make plan and have a map. When going through life, you have a plan too, with goals and stops along the way that are important to you. So how do you communicate this to a potential life partner? When should you talk to someone you’re dating about what matters to you? How can you make sure you’re dating in the same direction, knowing that you’re on the same path where it matters? Of course, meeting someone new may bring new goals and new stops along the way as you explore new viewpoints, but there are certain things you will want to know you’re aligned on from the beginning.

Easter is a time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Christ and what it means for us as Christians – Jesus taking our sins upon Himself on the cross, dying, and rising on the third day. His disciples experienced an unimaginable joy two thousand or so years ago when Jesus rose from the dead. Easter allows us to experience that joy. But the amazing thing is, Jesus wants us to know this joy every day of our lives. Perhaps your dating life leaves you not feeling so full of joy at the moment. Whatever your situation is this Easter, know that you can experience the same joy the disciples felt because the life that Jesus offers us is one of abundance, no matter our marital status.

When couples who met on Christian Connection get in touch to share their stories we love to know how they first began to connect in person. What did they choose to do on their first date? What hobbies or interests did they share that made their dating journey fun and unique? What became their ‘go to’ activities or places as their relationship developed? We’ve learned of so many great #MetOnCC date ideas, we’ve created a blog series to share them! Here are the ABCs of tried and tested, real life Christian Connection couples’ dating ideas, to get started…

Do you know where you’re heading? Do you know what you’d like your future to look like, what shape you’d like your life to take? Clarifying your hopes and dreams for the coming years is a key step as you look for love and consider committing to a relationship, while dating with the future in mind will ensure you choose someone with whom you are aligned. Taking time now to become clear on your dreams and work out what questions you might want to ask potential partners will set you on the right track for the future.

Many people love to talk, but they don’t like to listen. Being a good listener is a skill, but one that can be acquired with practice. Listening well takes effort and patience, and requires you to focus on the other person, instead of yourself. If you want to really get to know someone well on a date and beyond, becoming a great listener is an important step.