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 Z. 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.

Part 1: 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.

Part 2: 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?


Coming Un-Clued by J. Budziszewski
She tells her Uncle Theo that he's just a friend. Over a cup of Starblunks, though, the good professor challenges her to consider how others might see it.

Finding a Husband by Candice Z. Watters
Feel like you're doing things that are leading you away from the altar? The solution may come down to one word: intentionality.

Just Us by John Thomas
Sometimes a DTR doesn't go quite as planned.

Not Your Buddy by Suzanne Hadley
Close male-female friendships can be fun and engaging, but are women putting their emotions at risk?

What Does a Biblical Relationship Look Like? by Scott Croft
Courtship and dating -- is one more biblical than the other? The author evaluates the motive, mindset, and methods of each.