You lovebirds think you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level, but are you sure? Before you get serious, here’s a checklist of things to do, talk about, and inspect in your romance.
Friends
Most couples wait to meet the parents, but it’s high time you meet your honey’s close friends (and vice versa)—those interactions can reveal a lot.
Facts
Have a heart-to-heart about what you’ve experienced in your relationship histories—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and what you’re looking for in another person.
Faith
Without interrogating, discern what role God plays in your flame’s life and how he or she lives out faith on a daily basis, including church attendance, prayer, small groups, Bible reading, and the like.
Fun
Ease off the intense eyeballing and see if you enjoy each other while taking in a football game, riding mountain bikes, or browsing a flea market.
Future
Honestly share your goals and dreams for the future, even if the thought of mission work in Africa causes your sweetie to cringe.
Honesty is the best policy. Are you hiding parts of yourself or pretending to have interests that you don’t? Those tiny lies will come out if your relationship progresses.