"Relationships” Do you understand?

Do we really understand what being in a relationship means now and days?

I have seen so many people put up and settle for less than what they deserved and what God would have for them. But the sad part is that they often make excuses for dealing with these things. Now before you get started, I’m not just talking about marriages! I’m speaking of all relationships' (ex. Dating, Friendships and Marriages).

I know some of you are reading this and are already making excuses for why you are dealing with the mess that you are in. See my understanding of a relationship is a two way street. Both parties should be bringing something “healthy” and “good” to the table. If you have one party that is for the most part un-supportive, possessive, verbally or physically abusive, negative and very critical of every little thing you do; this is not a Healthy Relationship. Now understand these are just my thoughts/opinions, by no means do you have to agree with me. Let me just say I have experienced some of these things so I recognize them when I see them. I also learned myself worth and got out of it!!!!!! You see that is the first step in all relationships; you must know yourself worth before you enter into any relationship. If you don’t love yourself and respect yourself; don’t look to receive these from others, you are your greatest protector (outside of God of course)…”Protect” yourself.

Friendships should be a relationship with someone that you trust will have your best interest at heart, supportive of you, yet willing to tell you the truth even if it hurts at that moment but knowing it is for your good. A friend is someone who will be there with you when you cry and when you laugh. They are persons who’ll stand by you through the rough patches in your life and the smooth ones. Not just come around when times are good. They will be happy for you when wonderful things happen in your life and not jealous. A friend would never advise you to do anything that will cause you harm or disgrace. Now they may not agree with all of your decisions, but they will respect them and you.

Dating is taking the time to get to know a person, and taking that time to see if you have the same things in common; if you have the same values; similar goals and religious beliefs also; if you enjoy each other’s company. It’s not the time to see if you can deal with them treating you like crap; disrespecting you and not treating you with the respect and dignity you deserve. It’s not the time to find out if you can handle the mentally and/or physical abuse they give! NO! If you are experiencing this…this is the time to “Hit the Road” and hit if FAST! Understand that what you get in dating mostly likely you will get that during the course of the relationship or whatever level you take it to (ex.. marriage, etc.). Simply stating if a person cheats on you while you are dating more than likely they will cheat again! If a person lies to you, more than likely they will lie again. If a person hits you or are verbally abusive, more than likely they will do that again. Am I making it clearer now? Notice I said “more than likely”. I say this because change can come with help and through “Christ”. But that’s a chance you will have to take. As for me; I'm not willing to take that chance with my life, especially if we are only dating. Keep in mind you are only dating! If you don’t like what you see…move on! Life’s too short to be wasting your time!

Marriage is joyful with someone who is your best friend, confidant, lover, companion, motivator, accountability partner, and spiritual partner, financial partner, parenting partner, travel partner, explorer partner, risk taking partner and prayer partner, got your back kind of partner. You see where I'm going with this? Once you take this step two people become one. Whatever you do ultimately you are saying its okay for your spouse to do, because you are one. Marriage is honorable! Treated as that!
Relationships – do you understand them a little more?

Until my next posting remember…

"Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself."
~ Harriet Nelson