How to Avoid Misbehavior When Dating a Christian

If you're dating a Christian and are not a Christian yourself, you may encounter a whole host of problems about how your relationship should work and if you should even be in a relationship. It's always a good idea to be on your best behavior when dating anyone religious by communicating openly, learning about your partner's religion and maintaining an open mind.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your partner about his or her religious and personal values. It's important that you understand from the onset of the relationship what is most important that you do and not do.

2. Communicate to your partner about things that you feel uncomfortable with. If he or she expects you to attend church or Bible study regularly and you feel uncomfortable or have reservations about the particular denomination or religion, be open about your feelings and try to discuss ways to compromise (without compromising your values).

3. Ask about proper religious behavior before attending church or religious functions with your partner. Make sure that you know what practices you are or are not allowed to do and what you are expected to participate in (for example if you are allowed to take communion or not) to avoid embarrassment for either of you.

4. Make sure that you know when your partner feels uncomfortable. Instead of letting your relationship reach a point where you partner decides that you'll never share his or her values, ask him or her regularly about issues that might be problem areas. Having an open dialogue about issues ensures that you address them rather than ignore them until they cause a break-up.

5. Be respectful of your partner's boundaries. Understand that if the two of you don't share a religious value set, you may need to make some concessions in the relationship. While you might find that this ultimately is not the lifestyle choice you want to make, always preserve your partner's values.

6. Be open minded about your lifestyle and relationship decisions. Allow your partner to suggest types of dating that you may not have tried before, and be open to spending time with your partner's family and friends. Avoid criticizing values shared by his or her family and friends or making fun of your partner for communal views.

7. Learn the difference between intimacy and commitment. A Christian partner may likely be looking for a committed relationship, so don't rush into an intimate relationship if you're unwilling to commit as well. You should also be willing to take a break from dating to allow a healthy friendship to develop before deciding to commit, as this will also allow you to take a break from any intimacy that your partner is not comfortable with.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't insult your partner if you decide that the relationship is not ideal. If you decide not to continue dating, don't blame your partner or his or her religion for a lack of compatibility. In turn, don't be offended if your partner decides that he or she needs something different in a relationship. The most important thing is that you both be true to your personal values and needs.