If you tell a person of the opposite sex "I love you," is engagement expected to follow closely thereafter? Also, when you say the words, "I love you," does it mean you should accept the person faults and all, rather than nit-pick and question his behavior? ANSWER



I am engaged to a wonderful Christian man, a former homosexual and porn addict, who is a true example of a life redeemed. One of the biggest struggles of this relationship is that I've had to decide exactly how much I trust in Christ's work on the cross. What does it mean that He redeems us? Are we still tainted by our sin, or are we completely cleansed? Does He grudgingly forgive us but still make us suffer for our wrong choices? ANSWER



What about dating a divorced man? ANSWER



I go to a church full of young people, but haven't met anyone really worthwhile, as far as husband material. Other than the bar scene, where can young adults go to meet people? ANSWER
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Boy Meets Girl
by Joshua Harris

Joshua Harris, who "Kissed Dating Good-bye," now answers your questions about courtship. In Part One, he defines and illustrates the basic principles of "courtship," in contrast to "dating." In Part Two, he deals with practical issues as the season of courtship unfolds, growing closer while guarding our hearts in important areas like romance. In Part Three, we learn how to move toward marriage in a God-honoring way. A final section contains "Courtship Conversations: Eight Great Dates."



If you've spent any time on Boundless, you've likely figured out that this is one of our favorite topics. We think it's among the most exciting and important things we can discuss. Pre-marital relationships with the opposite sex are good, not for the entertainment they provide, but for where they can lead you: to marriage and family. MORE

Love Lessons by Laurel L. Cornell
One in two marriages ends in divorce. Yet we still dream about the perfect relationship. Maybe we DO need it, or at least something that it perfectly embodies.

Making a Good Marriage by Steven Garber, Ph.D.
"We're just friends." You've likely said it -- about a guy or girl who was distinct from Friday night "dates." But maybe we've got it backwards. Friendship, says Garber, is second to nothing in the quest for marriage.

Pulling a Ruth, Part 2 by Candice Watters
What woman wouldn't like to be swept off her feet? But since it happens less and less, and passivity is no remedy, this writer decided it was time to get the momentum started.

Defending "The Cost of Delaying Marriage by Candice Z. Watters
So much of the email we received in response to Danielle Crittenden's book excerpt was negative that we decided to answer it here.

Who's on First? by J. Budziszewski
Are you dating or just friends? Maybe the other person changed the rules. Then again, maybe you just haven't been paying attention.

Does It Matter Who You Live With? by J. Budziszewski
In this age of tolerance, you should be able to room with anyone, regardless of their beliefs, right? Not so, says Theophilus.

Missionary Dating by J. Budziszewski
People don't plan to change their opinions, get pregnant, lose their virginity, fall in love with the wrong guy ...or do they?



What He Must Be ... If He Wants to Marry My Daughter: A Review by Candice Watters
Though women aren't the target audience, we can listen in and hopefully, while eavesdropping, glean some valuable help for marrying well.
 

Three Rules of Romance by Jason Boyett
Want to look bad and make her feel like an afterthought? Then simply do what's expected.
 

10 Ways to Be Marriable by Suzanne Hadley
Planning to get married someday? Pay attention to these must-have qualities.
 

His Love Stories by Elisabeth Adams
My favorite love stories are true ones.
 

Helping Your Parents Help You by Candice Watters
If getting married is something you hope to do, your parents (or other parental surrogates) are likely among your best advocates.
 

Looking for Love Like a Peasant by A.J. Kiesling
Living in such a confused culture, could it be we are going about the "search for love" with a completely wrong agenda?
 

Settling by Scott Croft
Everybody settles. Nobody settles. Either-or? No, both-and.
 

Holy Matrimony! by Michael Ross
For some, finding love that lasts a lifetime is a smooth trek. But for most of us, the path is brutally bumpy.
 

Pursue Her by Drew Dyck
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
 

Relationship Roulette by Stephen Altrogge
Anxious that you may be shooting yourself in the foot by marrying your girlfriend or boyfriend? Perhaps all you need is a little faith.
 

Marriage: Partnership by Dale and Susan Mathis
Beginning married life together can be thrilling, but also traumatic. With a good understanding of how you'll work together as a team, it'll be more of the former and less of the latter.
 

Should You Get Engaged? by Dave Gudgel
Before you pop the question, you might want to ask yourself these five questions.
 

Dating Hear Say by Michael Ross
I'd found the woman who I'll spend the rest of my life with. We connected on just about every level, except one.
 

Object of My Affection by Suzanne Hadley
I know the One who should captivate my heart. Why then, am I so easily distracted?
 

Following My Heart by Nathan Zacharias
Our hearts can help guide us. But if we only listen to our hearts, we may be heading down the wrong path.
 

Biblical Dating: From "Hi" to "I Do" in a Year by Scott Croft
Make a decision within 12 months and avoid the pitfalls of lengthy dating relationships.
 

Crash and Burn by Candice Watters
A totaled car drives a long-distance couple to think soberly about their sputtering relationship.
 

Biblical Dating: Tips for Engagement by Scott Croft
Congratulations! You're engaged! Now what?