Here's a little post that I thought I'd write just to help younger girls out who are confused and I guess new to the whole idea of getting to know somebody and guarding your heart.
As girls, we tend to run away with ourselves with the tiniest little thing which can be very dangerous and lead to a lot of pain and hurt that is very unnecessary for us to go through. Yes, we will learn from it but I don't think that that would be God's perfect plan, for you to learn that lesson in that way. Keep an open mind and stay focused on JESUS and everything else will fall into place. You have nothing to worry about, He has it all planned out for you. If you are in a close relationship with JESUS you won't get hurt as easily and you won't fall into traps or relationships that he doesn't really want you to be in either. Guard your heart and keep an open mind to whatever God maybe leading you to do. Trust and obey.
So here's a few points to take into consideration if you're one of those type of 'run-away-in-your-mind-girls'...
1. If he shakes your hand at church, says hello etc. it does not mean he 'likes' you. He is just being friendly. Guys will find it very annoying (I will do another post on this soon) and will put them off when the girl starts the 'relationship'...that's his job! Stay focused and don't run away with yourself.
2. Just because he is a boy and a friend that does not make him your boyfriend. He might already be in a closer friendship with some other girl and you could get very hurt in this scenario. Just stay friends until he initiates something else.
3. If a guy asks you out on a date, walk in the park, just meeting up, coffee etc. most girls now days would run away with that idea and think "that means he 'likes' me and we'll get married some day!" No, he's just being friendly. The whole idea of dating has changed from what it used to be so bare that in mind. This is expanded on in the article that I have posted previously (you can read that HERE! There is a section with suggestions for single women, read that also.) It says a bit about how to respond to dating and such.
4. If you're at a party and he asks you to dance...this one is slightly different but keep the same principles in mind. He is just being nice! But then you'd probably think "he wouldn't have asked if he didn't like me", well yes, but also no. He could 'like' you but it could also be a dare from his friends maybe, you looked lonely, nobody else was available, etc. If he did want to be your friend he'd do something about it and make it more obvious with time. Just be patient! He could be waiting on God for the right timing to make the right move.
So there are just a few but if you can think of any other points, something that you have learned along the way, please feel free to share. I know I have missed out on a few things in the list above but as and when I think of more I'll add them. :)
It is very important for older girls to help and mentor younger girls especially in this area and sharing lessons and tips that you have learned to prevent heart-break.
I hope this helps!
Charis Shepherd
I saw this quote recently and it went something like this but not quite...
"WE BREAK OUR OWN HEARTS JUST FROM EXPECTATIONS."
