Even after sixteen years, I still chuckle when I think of that phrase. As a sheltered, romance-loving, teenager, I lacked some basic relationship skills. For instance, I trusted way too easily, and all I had to know about a potential suitor was his name before spilling my guts and telling him everything there was to know about me – the good, the bad, and the insanely boring. In retrospect, I am embarrassed when I remember all the data dumping I did on those poor boys back then; but, worse than that, I flung my heart at young men left and right and hoped for the best. The more I shared, the … [Read more...]

The work day was almost through and I was counting down the minutes to five o'clock. It was the weekend and I was heading to my hometown to visit with my parents. Just before leaving, I shared my travel plans with a professor friend of mine. In the process, I said something horribly offensive... something like, “Yeah, Eric has always been good about letting me go visit my parents.” Perhaps, I should have used a different word beside ‘let.’ I could have said, “Eric does not make a fuss when I want to visit my parents.” Or, “Eric thinks it is important that I visit my parents.” But, I chose the … [Read more...]

“If it were not for the Lord, do you think we would still be married?” Without missing a beat, Eric responded, “No.” Even though I assumed his answer would be no, actually hearing the word broke my heart. Not only did he say no, but he did so without thinking about it for a second. Let this be a life lesson, folks. If you have such a question rolling around in your head, refrain from asking it over dinner with another couple - yes, we were in public. Clearly, I was shocked and hurt by his matter-of-fact, no-nonsense response and the uncomfortable couple sitting across from us could … [Read more...]

“Don’t kiss loud,” one of my friends desperately requested when leaving another of our friends alone with her new boyfriend. As happy as we were for her, neither of us wanted to hear smacking or slurping coming from the next room. New relationships are exciting for those who are in them, but they can be a source of struggle for friends and family. Change can be difficult, even when it is a good change; and, when our friends begin dating someone new, it is not unusual to feel lonely, left out, or forgotten. Every day, all around the world, well-meaning, under-informed couples cause their … [Read more...]

Ahhhh... love. There is a tingly feeling in your tummy and the sensation of sheer euphoria. Nothing can bring you down. You have waited all your life... and now, you are dating – dare you even think it – the one you plan to be with for a lifetime. Is there anything better? Though I remember experiencing these feelings with Eric, our love story did not begin in a typical way. Instead of meeting at church and jumping head first into a relationship without knowing anything substantial about each other, Eric and I met in a college class; and, much to my chagrin, he friend-zoned me for about … [Read more...]