Many ask why I am so picky when it comes to relationships. Well, I am not like most girls. I don’t have a laundry list of physical attributes or materialistic sentiments. I usually pick nice, good guys whom I can take home to my parents. However, I am often criticized because some of my friends think I overlook other guys because of my religious beliefs. Although the guy I am dating now is not a part of the Church of Christ, I have tried to make sure that whomever should be the man in life shares my values.
Okay, yes I am Christian, I attend Church of Christ and feel strongly about my religious views. I don’t date outside of my denomination. Don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against other denominations. The fact is, I see no need to waste valuable time with someone who does not share my beliefs. Just because we all fall under Christianity does not mean we share the same beliefs.
Now, I am not going to go on a rant about the extreme differences and why they are so important to me, but I will say that when we date in our adult life, we aren’t dating just to pass time–– at least that’s the case for me. Although, I am not trying to get married any time soon, I am making preparations for that big day. I know my five requirements for whom I will marry. First, he must love God more than me. Second, we must agree on how we will raise our children. Third, we must agree on finances. Fourth, he must be educated and, last but not least, must be the same denomination as me. Simple. Right?
I don’t care about looks, but I am pretty darn cute, so I’m sure our children will be also. I don’t care about political views. I don’t care about their style of dress, and I don’t care about favorite colors and all that crap.
What I do care about is what is going to keep us out of divorce court. Gary Chapman, world renowned marriage counselor, wrote what I consider to be a dynamic book, “Things I Wish I’d known Before We got Married.”
I have had these views for quite some time, but after reading this book he confirmed that how I feel and think is correct. Chapman said it is essential to discuss religious views before getting married whether or not it involves religions or denominations. I can never see myself christening my newborn baby.