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In a friendship, for instance, this might look like going to a museum or concert to satisfy Taurus’ appreciation for art and culture, as well as Gemini’s urge to socialize and stay in-the-know. Of course, once you’re actually there, Taurus is more focused on enjoying the sensory experience, while Gemini is analyzing and even critiquing it.
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When my wife, Amy, passed away after a 13-month, no-holds-barred battle with cancer, I thought I was ready.
I wasn’t ready. Honestly, I’m still not ready, but I have found comfort each day in God’s promises of old. May I share a few of those with you now?
Here are 31 days of God’s ironclad promises for widowers; I pray they help your soul as they have strengthened mine.
God’s Promise:
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”—Psalm 16:8 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Lord Jesus, my mind knows you’re with me today. Please help my heart to know it as well. (I struggle with that sometimes.) Amen.
God’s Promise:
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”—Psalm 27:13-14 NASB
Praying God’s Promise:
Oh, Father! I will despair unless your goodness visits me here in the land of the living. Please be good to me today—all day. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.”—Psalm 31:9-10 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Have mercy, Jesus. Have mercy on my soul today. Please have mercy. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”—Psalm 34:18-19 NET Bible
Praying God’s Promise:
Holy Spirit, it must be obvious to you that I’m brokenhearted. It’s not so obvious to me that you’ll come to my rescue. Will you show me that today, please? Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”—Psalm 51:10-12 ESV
Praying God’s Promise:
O God! Today, in me, please: Create. Renew. Keep. Restore. Uphold. I trust in you, Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”—Psalm 56:3-4 NKJV
Praying God’s Promise:
Jesus, I didn’t expect that losing my wife would make me feel afraid, but I’m so scared. Help me to trust in you and not to fear today. Please. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”—Psalm 56:8 NKJV
Praying God’s Promise:
How funny, Father, that you’d collect my tears in your bottle! But also very kind. Thank you for remembering my sorrow today. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him! Only God is my rock and my salvation—my stronghold!—I will not be shaken. My deliverance and glory depend on God. God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God.”—Psalm 62:5-7 CEB
Praying God’s Promise:
Dear God, my soul struggles to rest; my heart longs to hope again. Today, in some small way, would you show me how to hope and rest? Amen.
God’s Promise:
“He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall. You need not fear the terrors of the night…”—Psalm 91:4-5 NET Bible
Praying God’s Promise:
Holy Spirit, it’s so hard to face the night without her near me anymore. So hard. When I close my eyes tonight, please let me feel the shelter of your wings. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”—Psalm 116:1-2
Praying God’s Promise:
Dear Jesus, dear, dear Jesus. As long as I have breath, remind me that you bend down to listen! I need you today, so thank you for being near. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”—Psalm 116:15 NIV
Praying God’s Promise:
Ah, Father. Her death was precious to me, too. Thank you for sharing that with me today. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.”—Psalm 119:28 NKJV
Praying God’s Promise:
What else can I say, today, Lord? My soul also melts from heaviness. Please strengthen me according to your promises. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Those who sow in tears, Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.”—Psalm 126:5-6 NKJV
Praying God’s Promise:
Well, God, here are my tears! Now it’s up to you. How about we reap joy—at least a little bit—sometime today? Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”—Psalm 143:8 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Precious Jesus, I am trusting you today. Oh, Lord Jesus, I give myself to you today. Amen. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads…The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”—Psalm 145:14, 18 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Lord of all, I’m calling on you now; I feel so bent beneath this sorrow. Will you help and lift it? Will you be close today? I can’t wait to find out. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”—Proverbs 4:23 NCV
Praying God’s Promise:
All right, God, I get it. This is a good reminder because my thoughts so often go to anger and despair. Today, help me turn my thoughts to you and to hope instead. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.”—Isaiah 40:29 NKJV
Praying God’s Promise:
Power to the weak? Oh, how I need that, Holy Spirit! I am so weak. So weak. If you’re giving power today, I’ll take as much as you want to hand out. Thank you. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down…”—Isaiah 53:3-4 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Jesus, I do so quickly forget that you know—intimately—what I’m going through. Sigh. Lord, I’m sorry for your sorrow. Yet, I am also thankful you know it and me so well. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.”—Isaiah 57:1-2 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Father, I don’t know why my wife passed away before I did, but I trust that you are giving her peace to rest. Please give me a measure of that peace today, too. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.”—Lamentations 3:31-33 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Lord, I struggle with the idea that you might’ve brought me this grief. It’s heartbreaking! But I still long for your compassion and unfailing love today. Help me to see that, please. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him”—Nahum 1:7 NIV
Praying God’s Promise:
Lord God, you are good. Even lost in grief, I still know that’s true. Today, will you be my refuge? Help me experience your care, for I trust in you. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”—Matthew 5:4 NET Bible
Praying God’s Promise:
Jesus, so often lately, this promise feels untrue for me. How about if you and I work together today, so I can testify that it is true—regardless of how I feel right now? Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”—Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV
Praying God’s Promise:
Ah, Jesus. Here I am. I’ve come to you, hands open to receive. Give rest to my soul today, please. I’ve been waiting for that. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.”—Romans 8:26 HCSB
Praying God’s Promise:
Holy Spirit, I have no words today, so I’m just going to cry for a while. Please intercede for me now. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”—Romans 8:38-39 HCSB
Praying God’s Promise:
Wow. Not even death? You are impressive, Christ Jesus. Please grant my heart nearness to your love today when I feel so, so alone. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”—2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Praying God’s Promise:
Lord, we both know how weak I am, lost in this half-life of sorrow. So now, will you make your power rest on me? I could use that today. Thank you. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“Christ himself is our peace.”—Ephesians 2:14 NCV
Praying God’s Promise:
Ah, Jesus. Draw my soul near to your presence today. I love that you are my peace. Thank you. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”—Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Limitless Father, today I ask this from you: Inner strength through your Spirit. Christ at home in my heart. My soul rooted in your love to keep me strong. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died…So encourage each other with these words.”—1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Thank you, Lord, for this encouragement. Please help me today. I don’t want to grieve without hope! Thank you for caring. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“God has said, ’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”—Hebrews 13:5
Praying God’s Promise:
God, I know that I’m not great company sometimes- especially lately. Thank you for sticking around today, anyway. Love you. Amen.
God’s Promise:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever…Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”—Revelation 21:4-5 NLT
Praying God’s Promise:
Lord, it struck me today that you’ve probably already wiped the tears from my wife’s eyes. Thank you for that. Would you tell her I love her—and I’m looking forward to the day when we both get to experience no more death…or sorrow…or crying…or pain? Amen!
Related: 3 Things to Remember as a Widower in the Midst of Grief
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Goodboy Picture Company
Mike Nappa is a practical theologian known for writing “coffee-shop theology” and Christian Living books. He’s a bestselling and award-winning author with millions of copies of his works sold worldwide. An Arab-American, Mike is proud to be a person of color (BIPOC) active in Christian publishing. Google Mikey to learn more, or visit MikeNappa.com. Find Mike Nappa’s bestselling book, Reflections for the Grieving Soul wherever books are sold.
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Mike Nappa
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My husband and I have the distinct honor and privilege of leading a small group of youth students at our church. It’s truly remarkable to see how they are taking leaps of faith and stepping out in courage to make God’s name known. God is really moving in this up-and-coming generation, and it is truly awe-inspiring!
Yet, it’s also worth mentioning that these kiddos are the enemy’s prime target. Unfortunately, he is using every tactic possible to manipulate and falsify faith-filled messages that are built on truth and grace. Add to that the current society that is entrenched in so many misconceptions about their identity and the misguided views on sex that confusion is running rampant. The result is that children and teens who have grown up in the church and profess their faith are failing to see the way God truly sees them and the nature of sin.
Honestly, it’s an easy trap for any of us to fall into, as each generation has their fair share of worldly and sinful struggles. And, while the method may have shifted or changed over the years, the temptations are still strong and sugarcoated, the lies are just as clever, and the bait to sinful choices always lure us in with tempered thoughts that look to push boundaries and find loopholes in God’s law. This is generally when the heavy weight of guilt and shame meets the whispers that state, God will never forgive me.
Friends, the deceiver is still deceiving! But God is still God, and His very nature exudes love, grace, and mercy. So, when one of those students asked if God forgives sex before marriage, my initial response was a wholehearted, “Yes, of course, He does!” However, I know that there are many layers to this question, and it comes with a heart that may be seeking permission to fall into lust (if there will be forgiveness) or repentance due to guilt that is weighing heavy.
There is a lot to unpack here, so let’s address this issue, shall we?
First, we must address the question about sin. Are all sins really the same to our God? The simple (and short) answer is yes and no. Yes, because all sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). James 2:10 basically states if one keeps the whole law but stumbles just a bit, they are guilty of breaking all of it. Sounds pretty harsh, right?
Well, the point that James is driving home here is that all sins matter to God, no matter how big or small they may seem. That means we mustn’t dismiss any sin we commit and confess it to God. However, that said, there are degrees to sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 lays out seven sins the Lord really detests. Pride, lying, murder, evil intent and enjoyment, perjury, and stirring up strife and division.
While these are all sinful choices and detach us from God, festering hurt, pain, and betrayal in our relationships, it’s not just the sin itself but the nature of our heart that God chooses to see (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10). If a heart is bent toward deceit and malice, the consequences and punishment will be given by God accordingly (John 3:36), but if the heart is pliable and soft, God grants great mercy and grace (Ezekiel 36:26-28).
Pertaining to the lustful sin of sexual relations outside of marriage, Jesus addresses this in Mathew 5:27-28, stating that this type of sin manifests in the mind and then grips the heart. Just the sheer fact of looking at another with lustful eyes is committing adultery and can lead to devastating consequences. However, the physical act of committing adultery bears a whole new set of consequences. In Jesus’ day, it was punishable by death. Today, we see how sexual relations outside the confines of a marriage can leave a mark of deep pain and a wake of utter betrayal with shame to follow.
Jesus is telling us that our thoughts often produce our choices, and sinful thoughts and choices have lasting consequences that affect not just our lives but the lives of others, including those we love. Even more, when we don’t guard our minds and hearts, including how we view sexual relations, it will cause grave consequences and a disheartening distance of separation between us and God.
While all sin separates us from God, and we understand that there are degrees of sin that can conjure up different levels of consequences and punishments, it’s wise to understand what God really wants when it comes to our sexuality, so we can live accordingly.
Sex and our sexual identity are part of God’s design for us. We are to enjoy the gift that masculinity and femineity bring into a marriage, and honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 7:5). Sex is a beautiful blessing that God offers a man and woman when they proclaim their vows and become one flesh under Him through a covenant (Mark 10:8-9). Apart from that, it goes against God’s plan for us and can cause dissonance and damaging consequences.
Several passages in the Bible tell us to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Galatians 5:19-20) because God knows that sex outside of a marriage can lead to a misunderstanding of the power and beauty it offers faithful married couples.
Yet, more and more couples, including Christians, are finding it difficult to wait and may see nothing wrong with entertaining the thought if they have plans to get married one day. However, as mentioned before, impure thoughts are merely playing with fire and can lead couples to carry out actions that can (and will) taint their relationship.
The truth is when a couple chooses not to wait for marriage and God’s perfect timing, it essentially mocks and cheapens this precious gift. Going beyond God’s boundaries and plan also brings forth its own unique set of consequences. Due to sex being a blessing from God that is to be shared between a husband and a wife, the hormone oxytocin is released to help create a special bond that builds trust and promotes unity. When this is done outside the confines of a marriage, it is proven to have an adverse reaction, generally weakening the bond. Not only that, but the view on sex overall will become distorted and flawed, making the relationship numb to growing spiritually.
So, where is the hope? Does God truly forgive sex before marriage? Yes! The answer is still a wholehearted “Yes.” While this sin comes with many emotional strings attached and can bear quite a heavy burden, the reality is that once we know where our identity is found, we know where to find our source of hope that leads to redemption!
Let’s look at the heartfelt (and longest) conversation Jesus had with another person in the gospel of John. A conversation that would have been seen as forbidden, and even unlawful, as Jewish men were not to speak to unknown women, let alone a Samaritan. But that didn’t hinder Jesus from setting up a divine intervention with this woman. A woman seen as an outcast and adulterer by her community. Yet, Jesus was already waiting for her. Ready to meet her in her hurt, pain, and shame (John 4:7-14). In His loving and gentle way, Jesus tells her that her sins may have caused her great harm, leaving her soul desolate and dry, but He is the answer to find healing and hope (John 4:21-16).
Oh, sweet brother or sister, if you are wrestling with the sin of sexual immorality, Jesus sees you and is waiting for you to come to Him. He is waiting to offer you hope found in the living water that will wash away your sin and cleanse you from all the hurt, shame, and guilt. You are never too far gone for Him to reach you. Soften your heart today and seek repentance, then receive His great gift of mercy.
Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/silverkblack
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Alicia Searl
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Have you ever questioned your own sanity after an argument with your partner? You might be confused whether it was you that caused the fight to escalate or them. Perhaps you even said some insulting things you’re not proud of. However, this is not necessarily a sign that you’re narcissistic. Narcissists often twist situations to make themselves appear blameless, leaving their victims feeling confused and questioning their own reality. This phenomenon, known as narcissistic trauma, can leave lasting emotional scars.
This quiz, developed by a therapist with a Master’s degree in psychology, can help you explore whether you might be exhibiting narcissistic tendencies or experiencing the damaging effects of being in a relationship with someone who does. The quiz delves into common characteristics of both narcissism and victims of narcissistic abuse symptoms.
Related Quiz: Is my husband a sociopath? Quiz
This quiz can be a powerful tool in understanding your situation and taking steps towards healing and healthy relationships.
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James and I had a really strong relationship. We were together for five years and did everything together. We shared secrets, and made each other laugh. Whenever I was down, James was there to lift me up. We went on traveling adventures, watched movies, and just enjoyed each other’s company. But then, I found out James was cheating on me. It felt like my heart shattered into a million pieces. We had to break up because I couldn’t trust him anymore. Even though it’s over between us, why can’t I can’t stop thinking about him? Memories of our time together keep flooding back, and it’s hard to move on. I miss the good times we had, but I know I deserve better.
Related Reading: Choosing between Friendship and Relationship
It’s completely understandable that you’re struggling to move on after such a significant betrayal. Your relationship with James was deeply meaningful, filled with shared experiences, laughter, and support. The discovery of his infidelity has left you heartbroken and grappling with conflicting emotions.
It’s natural to find yourself reminiscing about the happy moments you shared together, even amidst the pain of betrayal. Memories have a way of resurfacing, especially when they’re tied to strong emotions and meaningful experiences.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that while those memories hold value, they’re just one part of the picture. The betrayal and loss you’ve experienced are also significant realities that deserve recognition.
Moving forward, focus on nurturing yourself and your own well-being. Allow yourself to grieve the loss of the relationship and the trust that was broken. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can offer comfort and understanding during this difficult time.
Remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of the healing process. Eventually, as you continue to prioritize your own happiness and self-care, you’ll find the strength to let go of the past and open yourself up to new possibilities for love and fulfillment.
Related Reading: fitness fetish got me my new boyfriend
The first and foremost step is building acceptance around the fact that you can’t have them. Without that acceptance, everything else you try will not get you the results you seek. A few things to keep in mind:
1. Not being wanted by someone does not define your worth, value or lovability. People’s choices have more to do with them than you.
2. Limit contact with them. You won’t be able to move on if you continue to stay in constant contact.
3. Focus on yourself. Make your life fuller, more satisfying and prove to yourself that your life is great with or without this person in it.
4. Pour into building emotionally fulfilling connections in life which aren’t romantic in nature. We often expect a partner to fulfill all these needs of belongingness for us, but that is not a fair or realistic way of looking at it.
5. Be careful not to idealize this person. Remember, they have flaws like anyone else.
6. Be kind and patient with yourself.
7. Celebrate any progress you make!
It is going to take time, so be patient with yourself. And allow yourself to feel everything that is coming up for you. Don’t try to suppress or run away from any emotion, no matter how painful and unpleasant. Emotions demand to be felt and you will only be able to move on once you’ve processed them.
Limit contact and build certain boundaries which protect your well-being. You know stalking their social media is only going to make you feel worse. There’s no easy way around this. You will have to resist the urge to reach out or stalk them, if you want to move on.
Shift your focus inwards. Prioritize self care, especially when you don’t want to. That is when you need it most. Make your life richer and fuller, find sources of fulfillment, belongingness and satisfaction that don’t come from romantic relationships.
Don’t shy away from seeking help and support as and when you need it. You don’t need to overcome everything by yourself.
No contact is difficult primarily due to the emotional attachment, being habituated or used to the presence of this person, hope for reconciliation and a fear of loneliness.
The good news is that all of these fears and concerns can be worked through. In other words, the pain you experience from no contact is temporary and this will benefit you in the long run.
Allow yourself to process all the emotions that come up, be kind and patient with yourself and remember why you’re doing this in the first place. It will get easier.
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“It’s all about those core values that inform how we want to live our lives, the kinds of people we want to meet, and the kinds of people we want to keep in our lives,” Cheung notes, adding, “It might sound boring, but it’s crucial and deeply important.”
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Everything is looking up for Gypsy Rose Blanchard these days!
The 32-year-old walked the red carpet in Los Angeles on Wednesday before a For Your Consideration event meant to promote her upcoming Lifetime series Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup — and she showed off her new nose job in the process! The Munchausen by proxy victim rocked a red blazer while also giving fans a good look at her new blonde transformation (above)!
Despite the big night for her, she told ET on the red carpet that it wasn’t “date night” as her boyfriend Ken Urker did not travel with her. But they ARE about to start living closer to each other — proving she’s diving all in on this new romance! She spilled the tea:
“He lives in Dallas, and I live in Louisiana. … He’s actually going to be moving to Louisiana to be closer to me.”
Wow! That’s big!
Related: Dan Schneider Sues Quiet On Set Producers!
But just because they are taking steps to be closer to each other this quickly after rekindling things (remember, they were previously engaged in 2019), that does NOT mean they’re rushing into a marriage. Gypsy, who is in the process of getting divorced from her estranged husband Ryan Anderson, explained:
“I think with our history, we’ve always had a very close connection. Having that foundation has been essential to our reconnection and we’re just hopeful for what our future has in store. You know, I know that I’m going through a difficult time right now, and so I just really am doing the best I can with moving forward with my life.”
She added:
“I’ve always said Ken was my soulmate. But I don’t want to move too fast because, you know, I want to pace myself. I don’t want to put expectations and make things too heavy.”
He’s “ALWAYS” been her “soulmate”?! Yeesh!! Poor Ryan really never stood a chance, did he? As for what the future holds for these two new lovebirds, the reality star mused:
“We’re just basically enjoying our time together and, you know, hopeful for what the future has.”
Cute! She’s got enough on her plate as she adjusts to living in the real world again. Taking it slow sounds smart! Elsewhere in the chat, the convicted murderer told the outlet that fans can expect to see a “very transparent” look at her life post-prison in her new show, too. She elaborated:
“I put it all on the table, I put my whole life for viewers to see who I am as an individual, my true self.”
She’s already starting to get more open with followers again, too! After a break from social media, the My Time To Stand author also returned to TikTok with a splash! Gypsy posted several glam videos of her getting ready for the event as well as some clips of herself at the beach. Ch-ch-check it out!
@gypsyblanchard.tiktok ???????????? #gypsyrose #lifeafterlockup @LifetimeTV
@alexisoakleyy Springfield girlies!! ???? #makeup #makeupartist #celebritymakeupartist #makeuphacks #grwm #makeuptransformation #gypsyrose #gypsyroseblanchard #sephorahaul #lifeafterlockup
@alexisoakleyy Glammed the queen @Gypsy Rose Blanchard !! gypsyrose gypsyroseblanchard makeup makeupartist grwm
And there are even more HERE!
Gypsy told ET she “is feeling very empowered and confident” in this new chapter of her life. And it’s pretty obvious from those videos! Hopefully, she stays on this positive trajectory with all the controversy and change in her life. Right?! Thoughts?? Let us know (below)!
[Image via Lifetime/YouTube & Gypsy Rose Blanchard/Ken Urker/TikTok]
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Perez Hilton
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I was once in a situationship, long before Gen-Zers had a term for it. It was the most exhilarating and also the most emotionally draining romantic experience of my life. While I loved the idea of coloring outside the lines of a typical relationship, things got messy once feelings got thrown into the mix and we were no longer on the same page about the purpose of our arrangement. In the process, I lost a good friend. So, trust me when I say situationship rules matter.
If you find yourself in a similar state and are not clear about what to do in a situationship, find yourself caught up in the situationship vs relationship dilemma, or are unsure about how to define a situationship you have going on with someone, I’ve got you covered.
In consultations with relationship expert and counselor Dhriti Bhavsar (Master’s in Clinical Psychology), who specializes in relationship, breakup, and LGBTQ counseling, I’ll touch upon all there is to know about a situationship and setting some ground rules to navigate it without getting hurt. Let’s begin by understanding what is a situationship all about.
So, what is a situationship? If you turn to the dictionary to define situationship, here’s what you’ll find: “a romantic or sexual relationship that is not considered to be formal or established”. Now, what does not “formal” or “established” mean? In simpler terms, a situationship means a casual and fluid romantic and/or sexual relationship between two people, with no commitment or expectations.
To define situationship, Dhriti says, “An absence of labels and conversations about the future are the tell-tale markers of a situationship.” Along similar lines, a Reddit user says, “When you end up consistently seeing someone like they are your significant other but are noncommittal and refuse to take the leap to solidify an actual relationship.”
Related Reading: Situationship – Meaning And 10 Signs You Are In One
Now, on a surface level, a situationship may seem a lot like any other casual, undefined intimate connection like a no-strings-attached relationship or a friends-with-benefits arrangement. However, there is a distinct difference. In other undefined connections like NSA or FwB relationships, there is clarity on terms of engagement. In a situationship, things tend to get more muddled. That’s why situationship vs relationship dilemma is far too common. If you’re in such an undefined intimate connection, the first order of business to navigate it successfully is to identify if it amounts to a situationship.
Since a situationship can closely resemble so many other forms of casual relationships, it is imperative to know for sure if you’ve landed yourself in one. As Dhriti says, “Not knowing what to expect from a relationship or what is acceptable and what’s not can be a dangerous and confusing place to be in.” So, how do you know if you are in a situationship? Here are some clear signs to watch out for:
Related Reading: 9 Types Of Situationships And Their Signs
As may be clear from these indicators of a situationship, a connection of this sort comes with a lot of gray areas. To be able to navigate these muddied waters, you need some situationship rules to protect yourself emotionally. Take it from me, I didn’t think much of rules and boundaries, and chose to just go with the flow — as is the wont of 20-somethings who think they can conquer the worlds — and ended up falling in love with my situationship partner. He, on the other hand, was nowhere close to being emotionally invested.
My feelings led me to go along with a lot of things I wasn’t comfortable with, say yes when I wanted to say no, and put up with being treated in ways that left me hurt because I was holding on to hope that if I just gave it time, he’d begin to feel the same way about me. That obviously didn’t happen but I ended up in a broken heart. Apparently, my experience isn’t isolated.
Related Reading: 11 Situationship Red Flags You Should Know About
If scores of Reddit threads on situationships are any indicator, in this casual, dynamic, undefined “relationship”, one person always catches feelings and gets hurt in the process. As this Reddit user says, “A situationship is the least “casual” of casual relationships, you basically get all the perks of a relationship which includes going on dates, sleeping together, enjoying each other’s company, staying over at the other’s but without the titles of boyfriend/girlfriend, or expectation it will turn into a proper committed relationship where you end up saying you love each other and build a future together. I don’t recommend ever getting into one, someone is always more invested in one person than the other, just ends in heartbreak and confusion.”
That’s why my situationship advice to you would be to always focus on and prioritize yourself. Here are 15 situationship rules that will help you do just that:
What is a situationship if not a casual relationship with no labels and obligations? As Dhriti says, “In a situationship, any conversations about the future are off limits. The focus is on the here and now.” So, if the focus is not the here and now, why not make the most of it? Keep things light and playful, enjoy the present, and don’t get invested in the idea of a shared future.
Related Reading: The Complete Guide To “We Act Like A Couple But We Are Not Official” Situation
Weighing in the situationship vs relationship difference, a Reddit user says, “You date each other like you’re in a relationship, but you’re not exclusive. Most of the time, it ends badly because one person will always want more than the other one.” If there is one recurring theme that you may have noticed so far, it’s that there is a very real chance of catching feelings even if you’re unofficially dating.
So, it’s important to check in with yourself from time to time and assess how you feel toward the person you’re in a situationship with. If you do find yourself catching feelings or falling head over heels in love, it’s time to figure out how to get out of a situationship. Don’t stick around, hoping, and wondering, “Can a situationship turn into a relationship?” More often than not, it does not.
Wondering what to do in a situationship to protect yourself and avoid getting hurt? Make a conscious effort to focus on and prioritize yourself in this connection. Identify why got into a situationship,
Not losing focus on your needs will help you prioritize them over that of your partner as well as the relationship itself.
Speaking of needs, don’t hesitate to be vocal and assertive about yours. Dhriti advises, “Communicate your needs in a situationship clearly, and at the same time, be open to accepting your partner’s needs.” This requires healthy communication on the part of both partners. So, don’t shy away from having a sit-down about what this situationship means to both of you, what you seek from it, and how you intend to go about fulfilling these needs. In doing so, discuss:
Related Reading: 10 Critical Emotional Needs In A Relationship
While it’s normal for situationship partners to not communicate consistently or even offer explanations about periods of absence, don’t let this norm become an excuse for your partner to walk all over you and your schedule or treat you badly. My situationship partner, for instance, would go incommunicado for days and then show up at my door when his schedule cleared up, expecting me to drop everything to hang out with him.
In hindsight, I feel that his sense of entitlement was emboldened by my lack of willingness to say no. Don’t let that happen to you. One of the most vital situationship rules is to always respect your schedule and time so that your partner will too. Here is what you can do:
Wondering what to do in a situationship to protect yourself? Here is a piece of situationship advice that can help you find the answer: make sure your entire life doesn’t revolve around this casual, fleeting connection, no matter how good it feels. Nurture space in the connection to nurture other important relationships with friends, coworkers, and family. Leading a well-rounded life is key to not letting a situationship become larger than life.
One of the basic situationship rules is that there is no commitment or expectation of exclusivity — unless there has been an explicit conversation about the latter. So don’t hold yourself back from dating or talking to other people. Now, I’m not saying that you absolutely have to date other people. But if someone interesting comes along and you feel like exploring what it could lead to, don’t hold yourself back on account of your situationship. Remember, you’re not in a relationship. At the same time, be mindful of the rules of dating multiple people to protect yourself.
Talking about situationship rules, Dhriti says, “There may be certain things you don’t share with each other, and that’s perfectly normal.” One such thing that I can think of is each other’s experiences with dating or hooking up with other people.
No matter how much you tell yourself that your situationship arrangement is completely casual or how devoid of romantic feelings it may be, there is just no way to know for sure how you or your partner may feel about and react to details of the other person’s dating escapades. As far as that goes, stick to the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.
Related Reading: Why Does He Keep Me Around If He Doesn’t Want A Relationship?
Dhriti says, “In a situationship, the entire connection between two people hinges on hiding true feelings and steering clear of any emotional vulnerability. It’s the only way a surface-level involvement can remain just that.” So, naturally, a valuable piece of situationship advice would be to steer clear of letting your guard down in front of your partner.
These are just the kinds of things that pave the way for emotional intimacy in a relationship. Once there is emotional intimacy, romantic feelings are not far behind.
To protect yourself from the risk of falling for your situationship partner, and being left wishfully wondering, “Can a situationship turn into a relationship?”, make sure you don’t have any relationship-like expectations. For instance, expecting your situationship partner to be your plus one to weddings, high school reunions, or even parties.
Doing so indicates that you’ve begun to view them as an integral part of your life, and that goes against the very basic situationship rules of keeping things transient and casual.
Related Reading: Casual Dating — 13 Rules To Swear By
In a typical relationship, there is the expectation of making things public once both partners commit to each other and there is clarity on how they see their future together. Couples announce being together to their friends, post on social media, attend social events together, and so on.
However, that’s not how it necessarily goes in a situationship. My situationship partner, for instance, didn’t want any of his friends to know that we were a thing. So, one of the important situationship rules is to always discuss whether you want to tell people about your arrangement. To avoid stepping on any toes, never assume.
I remember my situationship partner once calling me up to say that he was on his way to pick me up. I was hanging out with friends, so I asked him to take a detour to my location. When he showed up, I insisted that he join us for a drink before we went out. While he did come in and chatted my friends up, he wasn’t pleased that I had taken the liberty to do that. The night was a bust and he became somewhat distant afterwards.
Based on my experience, my situationship advice to you would be to avoid introducing your partner to your friends and family. It just places a lot of pressure and leaves unsaid expectations hanging over a fragile connection, and doesn’t play out well.
One of the most critical elements that can help you navigate a situationship successfully is setting boundaries early. Right from the get-go, be clear about what you want from this connection, and let your partner know what’s acceptable and what’s not.
Dhriti agrees, and says, “Boundaries help manage expectations, which is exceedingly important in a situationship. They also help you see the other person for who they really are and not through a colored lens of who you want them to be.” Besides, if and when you get to the point of figuring out how to get out of a situationship, these boundaries will make it easier to cut the cord.
In adhering to all the situationship rules I have laid out for you, don’t forget to have fun with your situationship partner and savor this unusual relationship while it lasts. As long as you don’t let feelings into the mix and feel comfortable and secure with the person you’re with, a situationship can be an immensely fun ride. Make the most of it.
Related Reading: What Does It Mean When Someone Says They Are Looking For ‘Something Casual’?
A situationship is by definition fleeting in nature. After a point, you will find yourself at a crossroads, where you’re either wondering how to get out of a situationship or can a situationship turn into a relationship. Now, the way forward really depends on both people involved. If the romantic feelings are mutual, a situationship can materialize into something more. For that to happen,
Dhriti advises, “You have to be willing to invest in the relationship, work on building trust, talk about things like commitment and future, and prioritize open communication.” However, more often than not, the end of a situationship is not this idealistic, and people end up parting ways. Either way, know that a situationship cannot last forever. It will either grow into something more or wither away.
Situationship rules can vary depending on the people involved and their circumstances. For instance, for some, staying over at a situationship partner’s place can be a non-started whereas, for others, even taking weekend trips together may be acceptable. While you can establish ground rules that work well for you, make sure you follow these basic ones to make this experience fun and enjoyable rather than an emotionally harrowing ride.
Seeing Someone vs Dating – 7 Differences You Must Know About
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“God hates divorce.” Every married Christian in the Western hemisphere is familiar with the Malachi 2:16 verse, likely used to respectively warn and encourage any Christian sister or brother pondering the subject of divorce. I believe most of us agree God prefers married people to stay married, and we should do everything possible to maintain the vows to our partner and the Lord. After all, marriage is a sacred act, the foundation for family, and divorce is a universally grievous experience.
But just as we live in a fallen world full of broken people and a myriad of circumstances beyond our control, sometimes our vows fail us. Sometimes, the one who swore to love and protect us pivots severely in spirit and behavior, instead bringing pain and harm. Sometimes a spouse turns from the Lord completely, or falls so deeply into sin they lose themselves, and their capacity to love. Unforeseen acts like physical abuse, manipulation, and infidelity occur, and we’re left in a pool of unfathomable heartache, staring at a seemingly bottomless chasm between what was promised and what is.
And aside from all the confusion and difficult questions we’re left struggling with, we’re often left with the uncomfortable, often polarizing question: Should Christians stay married no matter the cost? Is it ever against God’s will to remain in toxic, unhealthy marriages for the sake of keeping our vows? Some say yes. After all, Jesus turned the other cheek, suffered at length, and still loved those nailing him to the cross. And let’s remember, marriage is a sacrifice, not a vacation. Bad marriages may feel unbearable, but life isn’t about our happiness, and God is enough.
All that sounds biblically-informed enough, but what about when a marriage involves one spouse dishonoring God by harming the other? What does the Bible say about remaining in abusive relationships where behaviors like spiritual manipulation, financial abuse, infidelity, gaslighting, and physical intimidation exist? Can it even be considered a sin to stay married in such sad, extreme cases?
I believe the best place to begin is by examining God’s heart and purpose for marriage in the first place. In Ephesians 5:22, marriage is compared to the relationship between Christ and the church, teaching that Christian spouses reflect this mystery. As God willed for Christ and the church to become one body (Gal. 3:28, 1 Cor. 12:13), so He desires marriage to reflect this pattern—that the husband and wife become one flesh (Gen. 2:24).
In the Catholic faith, Christians believe that the sacrament of marriage is a public declaration of commitment to another person and a public statement about God. The loving union of a couple is seen as an example of God’s values and family values.
So what does God expect of those partaking in the holy sacrament of marriage? Naturally, I could regurgitate that 1 Corinthians 13 verse (love is patient, love is kind) and then, of course, pivot to the Ephesians 5:25 verse instructing husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and wives to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:22). But it really comes to this: the purpose of marriage is to exemplify the love of Christ to our spouse, daily. Not just for our own growth and joy but so that others (our kids, colleagues, neighbors, friends) might see God’s nature and give Him glory. By adopting a lifestyle of self-sacrifice and unconditional love towards our spouse, we both become more like Jesus and, hence, closer to God.
So when we’re talking about the potential of God desiring the obsoletion of these vows, we’re obviously not talking about leaving a marriage due to bad habits, character flaws, communication issues, loss of attraction, etc. We’re not talking about being “stuck” with a spouse who has proclivities to sin or remains spiritually complacent or “suffering” through extreme seasons of discontentment or discord. That’s just life. These (and so many others) are common challenges that take sacrifice, compromise, selflessness, patience and most likely some decent marriage counseling to work through, with God’s grace. But what about when a spouse begins mistreating the other and is unwilling to change?
Jesus only names infidelity (Matt. 19:9) as grounds for divorce. Does that mean God expects a spouse to stay married to a physical abuser? What about continued, purposeful verbal attacks? What about an unapologetically intentional habit of a husband or wife acting inappropriately with members of the opposite sex? What would Jesus say to us today if given the chance to counsel his sweet daughter or son living with a spouse who’s willfully and perpetually violating his or her vows with no signs of true repentance? Would he ever consider it a sin to stay married?
Photo credit: ©Pexels/Alex Green
I believe the answer becomes clear as day when exploring the meaning of sin in the first place. Sin is anything that separates us from God. It can be foul language, idolatry, lying, pride, lust, etc. When we continue in these behaviors without repenting, the Holy Spirit living in us remains grieved, and we can’t enjoy close communion with Him. But how could something good and ordained by God, like marriage, be a sin? The same way all the other innately good, godly things like sex (when married), food, wine, work, and entertainment are misused every day (by millions) and turned into acts of gluttony, drunkenness, and idolatry.
I would venture to say some spouses remain in unhealthy, God-dishonoring marriages not out of duty to their vows but out of sin itself. Some would rather raise their children under the roof of a manipulating abuser than endure the “shame” and embarrassment of a divorce, hence making the marriage less of a sacrament and more of an idol or even a mockery that grieves the Lord. Marriage license or not, I believe when a spouse continually engages in any of the malicious, harmful behaviors mentioned above, their vows have already been broken. And by staying married to a destructive spouse – even in the legal sense- we’re not only enabling sinful behavior, we’re perpetuating a degraded, distorted version of God’s design for marriage in the first place. And everyone around us pays the price.
God certainly does not receive glory when children see their mother transmute into a verbally battered shell of herself by staying with an abusive husband and instituting a sick view of marriage for her children. The beauty of God’s ways is not reflected when friends witness a wife demeaning and brow-beating her husband for years without any sign of regret. The majesty of God’s nature is captivating friends who watch a husband financially manipulate his wife for years to control and possess her.
Notice that the key denominators here are unwillingness and repentance. The biblical meaning of repentance is turning away from self and to God. It involves a change of mind that leads to action. It’s never okay for a spouse to push another during a fit of anger. It’s never okay for a spouse to demean another to tears with their words. It’s never okay to watch porn or flirt with a co-worker. But I do believe any/all sins can be forgiven and behaviors changed when a spouse experiences true repentance, desires change, and gains trust through proven action.
In a harmful marriage where the spouse is unwilling or unable to change unhealthy habits, I believe Jesus would say it’s our job to forgive but not reconcile. Because on this side of heaven, there are still consequences, even after forgiveness. Galatians 6:8 says, “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.”
There is a way to forgive an abusive spouse without holding any bitterness in our hearts while choosing to go our separate ways. It’s the same exact concept we see enacted when a Christian pastor commits sexual immorality, adultery, or some other egregious act and is rightly removed from leadership. Should he be forgiven by the Lord, his church, and his victims? Absolutely. But forgiveness does not always equate to restoration. Just as the fallen pastor loses the privilege of shepherding God’s people, so should an abusing spouse lose the privilege of remaining united to any child of God.
I feel as much as we idolatrize the act of marriage in the Christian life, we also over-villainize divorce to an extent. We make divorce second only to the unpardonable sin. We’ve put divorce on a pedestal of evil, looking down from its throne of doctrinal villainhood upon all the lesser sins, with gluttony, malice, lying, complaining, coveting, envying, stealing, and cheating shouting upward, “At least we didn’t break our oath to Jesus! At least we didn’t break a family up!”
God always values life over law. It’s why Jesus healed a lame man on the Sabbath despite the Pharisees’ condemnation. Staying married to an unrepented spouse bringing continual harm for the sake of “upholding” a sacrament was never God’s intention. While evil exists in this world, so will divorce, and for some of us, Jesus remains our only true bridegroom. And thankfully, His love never fails, never harms, and always endures.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/somethingway
Jessica Kastner is an award-winning writer and author of Hiding from the Kids in My Prayer Closet. She leads Bible studies within juvenile detention centers with Straight Ahead Ministries and offers unapologetically real encouragement for women at Jessicakastner.com.
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A strong marriage is one with deep and abiding love between spouses. Selflessness, giving of oneself, and an unwavering dedication to the happiness and well-being of the other characterize this kind of love. Couples prioritize their relationship above all other human connections and make a conscious effort to nurture and strengthen their bond over time.
Communication is the lifeblood of any successful relationship, and in a strong marriage, couples prioritize open, honest, and respectful communication. They actively listen to each other, express their thoughts and feelings openly, and work together to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings healthily and constructively.
In a strong marriage, spouses respect each other’s individuality, opinions, and feelings. They support each other’s goals, dreams, and aspirations, cheering each other on through life’s triumphs and challenges. There is a deep sense of mutual admiration and appreciation for each other’s strengths and contributions to the relationship.
Couples in a strong marriage also share common values, beliefs, and goals that serve as the foundation for their relationship. They align on important issues such as faith, family, finances, and lifestyle choices and work together towards common objectives. This shared sense of purpose fosters unity and collaboration in the marriage.
Physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy are also essential in a strong marriage. Couples prioritize quality time together, nurturing their emotional connection through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and acts of affection.
They prioritize each other’s needs and desires, cultivating a deep and fulfilling bond that sustains them through the ups and downs of life.
Lastly, for Christian couples, a strong marriage is grounded in a shared faith in God and a commitment to spiritual growth both individually and as a couple. They rely on their faith to guide them through challenges, seek God’s wisdom and guidance in their decisions, and prioritize spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and studying the Bible together.
Building a strong marriage as Christian parents isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it’s about laying a firm foundation for the well-being and stability of your entire family.
Here’s why it’s so crucial:
Modeling Healthy Relationships: As parents, we are the primary influencers in our children’s lives. Our marriage serves as a model for their understanding of love, commitment, and relational dynamics. By nurturing a strong and loving marital bond, we provide our children with a blueprint for healthy relationships in their own lives.
Emotional Security for Children: A strong marriage creates a sense of security and stability for our children. When they witness their parents loving and supporting each other, they feel reassured and confident in their family environment. This emotional security lays the groundwork for their overall well-being and development.
Effective Parenting: When spouses are united and supportive of each other, they can make decisions together, establish consistent discipline, and provide a nurturing environment for their children to thrive. This unity strengthens the family unit and fosters a sense of cohesion and teamwork.
Resilience in Times of Crisis: When couples are deeply connected and committed to each other, they can weather storms together, leaning on their faith and each other for strength and guidance. This resilience not only benefits the couple but also sets a powerful example for their children on how to navigate adversity with grace and faith.
Fulfillment and Joy: A thriving marriage brings fulfillment and joy to our own lives. When we prioritize our relationship with our spouse, invest in communication and connection, and cultivate a loving partnership, we experience a deeper sense of satisfaction and purpose.
This fulfillment radiates throughout the family, creating a positive atmosphere of love and happiness.
Building a strong marriage on a foundation of faith is like constructing a sturdy house on a solid rock rather than shifting sand. It provides a steadfast anchor in the storms of life and a guiding light in times of darkness.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, surrendering our understanding and relying on His wisdom and guidance.
In marriage, trusting in God’s plan for our relationship is paramount.
Couples must also prioritize their relationship with God, both individually and as a unit. Individually, each spouse should cultivate their relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and spiritual disciplines.
This personal growth strengthens their faith and equips them to contribute positively to the marriage. Additionally, setting aside time for shared spiritual practices such as praying together, attending church services, and studying the Bible as a family fosters unity and spiritual intimacy.
By building their marriage on Christ, couples can weather any storm and experience the abundant blessings of a union grounded in faith.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.”
Listening is more than just hearing; it’s about truly understanding and empathizing with your spouse’s thoughts, feelings, and perspective. Practice active listening by giving your full attention, maintaining eye contact, and reflecting on what you’ve heard to ensure understanding.
By listening attentively without interrupting or rushing to respond, couples demonstrate respect and validation for each other’s experiences and emotions. Emotions are also a natural part of being human, and learning to express them constructively is crucial for healthy communication in marriage.
Strive to openly share your feelings, needs, and concerns with your spouse, using “I” statements to express yourself without blaming or accusing your spouse.
Remember, conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but how you navigate and resolve conflicts determines the health and longevity of your marriage. Therefore, approach conflicts with humility, patience, and a willingness to seek compromise and understanding.
You must understand that conflicts can be opportunities for growth and deep connection when approached with love and respect.
Amidst the busyness of life, it’s important to prioritize quality time with your spouse to nurture your connection and intimacy. So, schedule regular date nights and engage in activities you both enjoy.
Whether going for a walk, cooking together, or simply cuddling on the couch, spending intentional time together strengthens the emotional bond and reinforces the foundation of your relationship.
Aligning on core values and goals as a couple is vital for building a strong and enduring marriage. As Amos 3:3 wisely points out, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” This verse underscores the necessity of agreement and harmony in a relationship.
Firstly, let’s delve into the significance of shared values.
In any relationship, including marriage, having shared values forms the foundation upon which trust, respect, and understanding are built. These values encompass beliefs, principles, and priorities that guide your decisions and actions.
When spouses share similar values, it creates cohesion and unity within the marriage, fostering a sense of common purpose and direction.
Also, establishing common goals is essential for couples to progress and thrive.
These goals can encompass various aspects of life, including finances, parenting, career aspirations, and personal growth. By openly discussing and setting goals as a couple, you build a sense of partnership and collaboration.
When it comes to finances, for instance, being transparent and discussing budgeting, saving, and spending habits can prevent conflicts and promote financial stability. Similarly, discussing parenting styles and agreeing on approaches to discipline, education, and family dynamics can strengthen your co-parenting partnership.
Lastly, by working together towards common goals, you strengthen your bond as a couple and achieve greater fulfillment and success in your endeavors. Whether by pursuing career aspirations, building a family, or contributing to the community, shared goals provide a sense of purpose and unity.
Ephesians 5:25 provides a profound reminder of the sacrificial love husbands are to demonstrate towards their wives, mirroring Christ’s love for the Church. This verse reveals the importance of prioritizing one’s spouse above all earthly relationships, second only to our relationship with God.
Prioritizing each other in marriage involves intentional actions and attitudes that demonstrate love, respect, and appreciation on a daily basis. It requires recognizing the value and significance of your spouse in your life and making consistent efforts to nurture and strengthen the marital bond.
One practical way to prioritize your spouse is through acts of service. This involves actively seeking opportunities to serve and support your partner in their daily life. Whether by helping with household chores, running errands, or offering a listening ear after a long day, acts of service are how you demonstrate love and selflessness.
Also, note that words of affirmation play a crucial role in building up and encouraging your spouse. Taking the time to express appreciation, admiration, and affection through kind words and affirming gestures can uplift your partner’s spirits and strengthen the emotional connection between you.
Simple phrases like “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” and “I’m proud of you” can have a profound impact on your spouse’s sense of worth and belonging within the marriage.
Physical affection is another important aspect of prioritizing your spouse. Holding hands, hugging, kissing, and other forms of physical touch convey love, warmth, and intimacy in the relationship.
Making time for physical affection fosters emotional closeness and strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
One of the most profound ways parents can influence their children is by demonstrating unity, love, and respect within their marriage. Children observe and absorb the dynamics of their parents’ relationship, and a harmonious and loving marriage is a powerful example for them to emulate in their future relationships.
Parental unity is particularly impactful, as it provides children with a sense of security and stability. When we prioritize our marriage and work together as a team, it creates an environment of trust and emotional safety for children to thrive. They learn the importance of cooperation, compromise, and communication in building strong and lasting relationships.
Moreover, the love and respect we show each other as a couple lay the foundation for healthy attitudes such as love and selflessness in our children’s lives. When children witness their parents treating each other with kindness, empathy, and affection, they internalize these values and carry them into their interactions with other people.
Also, involving our children in family discussions and activities further reinforces a sense of unity and belonging. This encourages children to feel valued and heard, strengthening their bond with their parents and siblings.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Monkey Business Images
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Emmanuel Abimbola
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The site does this by boasting a comprehensive questionnaire for every user, outlining your likes, dislikes, and values with over 80 questions. From there, you’ll be paired with potential matches (each of which comes with a compatibility score).
If this sounds intense, that’s because it is. The signup process will take at least 20 minutes—but many users find the time spent to be well worth it, considering the fact that you’ll be given access to a pool of people who are actually looking for a relationship, and who care enough to take a few extra minutes.
The only major downside? You’ll need a paid membership to get the best experience, as pretty much every feature on the app is blurred out without one.
Read our full eHarmony review to learn about our testers’ experiences with the app.
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Rom-coms have long fueled our fantasies of what the gold standard for relationships is—monogamy. Nick and Rachel from Crazy Rich Asians, Jonathan and Sarah from Serendipity, Danny and Sandy from Grease…
Lately, though, there’s been a growing murmur of a different kind of love story. It’s consensual, intimate, and breaks free from the traditional mold.
It’s called ethical non-monogamy (ENM).
For those seeking honesty, communication, and open love, ENM offers a fresh perspective, redefining what relationships can look like.
The meaning of “ethical non-monogamy” is where there are more than two people involved in a consensual relationship, be it romantic or sexual. The key word here is ethical.
There’s a spectrum within ENM, meaning different relationships may cater to different desires. For instance, some might choose to have multiple romantic relationships at once, while others might choose open relationships, where romantic love is exclusive to one partner but casual flings are permitted.
This concept isn’t entirely far-fetched. In fact, a 2023 YouGov poll found that 45% of Americans would rather have some form of non-monogamy.
Keep in mind that ENM is, in a way, different from relationship anarchy (RA). RA takes a more radical approach, rejecting even the structures often found in ENM, like prioritizing certain relationships or defining boundaries around emotional intimacy.
“Dating today has become more confusing than ever,” explains Neelam Verma, a conscious dating expert and trainer of Mindvalley’s Finding Love with Integrity Dating Quest. “We’re swiping endlessly without truly connecting from the heart.”
And so, there’s a shift happening in the way we view romantic relationships. Being in an ethical non-monogamy relationship, according to a 2023 scoping review analyzing over 200 studies on the topic, is gaining traction—and for many reasons:
It might not be the most conventional way of seeking connections. But the fact of the matter is, ENM offers a path for those seeking alternatives to traditional relationship structures.
At first glance, ethical non-monogamy might look like cheating. However, it’s fundamentally different.
Cheating in a monogamous relationship involves breaking trust and violating agreed-upon boundaries; this often happens through secrecy and deception. In contrast, though, ENM is based on open communication, honesty, and consent from all partners involved.
However, the latter can still involve blurred lines if communication breaks down or boundaries are not respected. For example, if someone in an ENM relationship hides a new partner or violates previously agreed-upon rules, that in and of itself can be considered cheating.
Chances are, you’ve heard of the terms “polyamory,” “open relationship,” and so on. But what’s the difference between ethical non-monogamy vs. polyamory or ethical non-monogamy vs. an open relationship?
Simply, polyamorous and open relationships fall under the umbrella term of “ethical non-monogamy.” However, not all ethical non-monogamy relationships are polyamorous or open.
Here a closer look at some common types of relationships that fall under ENM:
Polyamory involves having multiple romantic and sexual partners with everyone’s consent. This can take many forms: a triad (three people in a relationship), a quad (four people), or a network of interconnected partners.
It’s like in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, where two women and a man (and later, his ex) explore the dynamics of this kind of relationship.
Leanne Yau, a polyamory educator and sex-positive influencer, explains in a YouTube video that there’s “more of a focus on, kind of, emotional intimate connections like romantic connections.”
Ever seen the comedy Hall Pass with Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis? Essentially, what happens is that their characters get a one-week “hall pass” from their marriages, which allows them to engage in extramarital affairs.
It’s the kind of ENM relationship that often focuses on sexual exploration outside the primary couple. It’s what’s commonly known as a fling, which really requires a whole level of honesty and freedom.
However, not all these relationships are the same. There might be rules around what kind of contact is acceptable, or it might be entirely open-ended.
Monogamish is primarily based on monogamy, but with occasional forays into non-monogamy (with negotiation and consent, of course). This could be a couple who decides to explore swinging or other forms of consensual non-monogamy on a limited basis.
For example, in the movie The Freebie, Darren and Annie are in a stagnant marriage. While the premise revolves around a one-time agreement rather than an ongoing non-monogamy, they do agree to an evening of freedom.
There’s a major difference when it comes to ethical non-monogamy vs. polygamy. Unlike the other relationship structures, polygamy involves marriage to multiple partners.
The TV series Big Love highlights a great example of this—a polygamist family in Utah. Bill Henrickson juggles relationships with his three wives, Barb, Nicki, and Margene, while navigating the challenges of their religious beliefs clashing with modern life.
(It’s important to note that polygamy is illegal in most places and can come with complex social and legal issues.)
While there are plus points, ENM isn’t without its challenges. Here are a few that people have faced:
No doubt, ENM comes with an emotional landscape, but it doesn’t differ that much from that of monogamy, according to Hakeem (not his real name), who was in a polyamorous relationship for about half a year.
“You don’t just assume things,” he explains. “You always discuss things, like ‘what are you okay with?’ [and] ‘what are you not okay with?’”
So if you’re considering being in one, it’s important to remember that it requires a certain level of maturity and self-awareness.
Ethical non-monogamy isn’t for everyone. Hakeem, for instance, didn’t set out to be in this kind of relationship. It just so happened that the person he was dating was in a polyamorous one.
“This is a person I enjoyed being with,” he adds. “This is the kind of relationship that they had, and I wanted to be with them, so I leaned into it.”
If you’re open to considering it, here are a few things that you may want to keep in mind:
If any of these points raise concerns, it may be worthwhile to explore other relationship styles. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that aligns best with your individual needs and values.
“We all desire love and a partner who accepts us for who we are,” states Neelam. “We know that relationships are about unconditional love, but many of us have never learned that it’s about unconditional love for ourselves first.”
That’s the premise of her Quest on Mindvalley. And while it’s a cornerstone for monogamous relationships, it can also be one for anyone considering getting into an ethical non-monogamy relationship.
Here are a few dating tips to keep in mind if you choose to do so:
Self-love—that’s the foundation of any healthy relationship. It involves a sincere awareness of your needs, desires, boundaries, and even fears.
Reflect on what each ENM relationship style means to you and how it aligns with your beliefs. For instance, if you identify as pansexual or bisexual, consider how this profound connection can coexist within a non-monogamous context.
With this level of self-awareness, you ensure that your relationships are not only enriching but also in harmony with your true self.
“To be in integrity means to be whole and complete within yourself and in alignment with your truth,” explains Neelam. “It’s where your beliefs, thoughts, words, and actions are congruent, and you show up honest.”
Why’s this important? By committing to integrity, you ensure that all relationships are built on a foundation of trust and respect. You’re also able to discuss openly what each relationship means to you and how you envision them fitting into your life
This clarity prevents misunderstandings and ensures that everyone’s expectations align, fostering a nurturing environment for love to grow.
Imagine the qualities you desire in your partners, considering how they will interact with the dynamics of a non-monogamous relationship. Think about traits that promote a harmonious relationship environment, like openness, understanding, and respect for boundaries.
Don’t just focus on what you want from them; also consider what you can offer. As Neelam advises, you just need to be you. “Only then,” she says, “can you truly attract a like-minded partner and create a meaningful connection.”
So reflect on whether your current self aligns with the partner you wish to attract. If discrepancies arise, identify areas for personal growth.
Conscious conversations are when you “express your truth, desires, and tensions, and standards early on, and you set the stage for a deep, profound, and meaningful conversation,” as Neelam explains. You ask important questions early on, and because you’re able to do so, you find yourself navigating challenging conversations with ease.
This kind of openness can lead to conscious relationships. And this is where people come together, learn each other’s love styles, and “co-create a beautiful and fulfilling relationship.”
Vulnerability allows for deeper emotional connections between you and your partner(s). It involves sharing your fears, hopes, and dreams.
As Neelam points out, “true connection happens in the space of vulnerability.”
In doing so, you invite your partner(s) to understand your inner world more profoundly, which can strengthen the bonds between you. Recognize moments when you might be shielding your true feelings due to fear of judgment or rejection, and gently challenge yourself to share more openly.
“Since we’re vibrational beings, we attract things on the same frequency that we’re emitting,” Neelam explains. And in ENM relationships, you’re not only surrounding yourself with one person but with multiple.
So, one person (or more) can bring down the vibe. And you may end up draining yourself of energy because of it.
That’s why it’s important to establish boundaries that protect your well-being and promote growth. If you feel that there’s strife or negativity with any of your partners, consider minimizing contact or ending things to make space for more fulfilling interactions.
ENM relationships often involve sex. And because it’s usually with multiple partners, it’s important to maintain a sacred approach to it.
Spiritual sex, as Neelam calls it.
So ask yourself these questions:
“By looking at sex as sacred, you’ll change how you approach dating forever,” she says. “Not only will it make you consider who you’re partnering with, but also why you’re partnering with them.”
No matter which type of ethical non-monogamy relationship you choose to be in, understand that genuine connections start with you. That’s what you’ll uncover in Neelam Verma’s Finding Love with Integrity Dating Quest on Mindvalley.
When you sign up for a Mindvalley account, you have access to the first few lessons—for free. That’ll give you a taste of what Marzia Ludin, a civil engineering technician from Maple Ridge, Canada, means when she says,
“I was always questioning myself that ‘Why do I attract people and relationships that are not worthy and I don’t deserve them?’… Today, I learned that we can only love others to the [extent that] we love ourselves. This has been changing my life in all aspects.”
That’s what it means to date with integrity. And that’s what it means to love.
Welcome in.
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Tatiana Azman
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As an adult, I crave alone time. The funny thing is, I didn’t really think that alone time was something I would struggle to find, until one day, I woke up, a married woman with two kids and three dogs, and realized that I am never ever alone. While some people are afraid to be alone, I’m actually more afraid of the thought of never getting to be alone again.
Months often go by when I don’t hang out with friends. It’s not really a planned or intentional thing; I just really enjoy my alone time and protect it a lot.
If you’re an introvert, I probably don’t even need to explain myself. You get it. There’s definitely a tug between spending quality time with the people you love and finding enough solitude that you are fully present when you are with them.
Over the years, I’ve learned to carefully navigate the boundaries of the soul care I need by making sure I get adequate alone time, giving just enough of myself so my family and friends don’t feel neglected. The one area that I’ve struggled to progress in is that of community. I’ve always had a take-it-or-leave-it mentality when it comes to anything that appears like community; that is until recently, when I had my first real, life-giving community experience.
Even introverts need community, and let me tell you why. God made us for community. He tells us to gather with other believers to help and serve each other and to encourage each other. God created Eve so that Adam wouldn’t be alone. Jesus had His disciples. All throughout the Bible, we read story upon story of people with other people.
Think about it—if God didn’t intend for us to be in community with others, there would be no need to bring us together as one body (the Church), and all the passages in the New Testament that tell us how to treat others would be pointless. However, community is important to God, and, as an introvert, I must continually remind myself of all the reasons why I need community.
If you’re an introvert, you might disagree that community is necessary. So let me rephrase it—introverts need the right community, one that is life-giving, not life-sucking. Just one year ago, I didn’t feel such a strong need for community, but last December, I traveled across the country to attend a retreat with over 100 other like-minded women. Not only am I an introvert, but I have always struggled to fit in with other women. So you can imagine the anxiety I felt as I walked into the room on the first day. I even woke up early that morning to mentally prepare myself.
However, during this two-day retreat, I felt a bond and comfort that I had never felt before with such a large group of women. For the first time in my life, I was able to just be myself and felt comfortable talking to strangers. Ever since then, I have craved more of this kind of experience. Until you have experienced the kind of community that feeds your soul, you can’t understand what it’s like to be part of a community where even the most introverted person can thrive.
After this experience, I found myself looking for a community that could replicate what I felt in those two days. In the days after the retreat, I realized that a community like that is rare and might be nearly impossible to find. I came to the conclusion that I would need to cultivate a community on my own. I would need to find like-minded people to do life with, who are rooted and grounded in love, who will sharpen each other, and who are committed to seeing each other thrive and grow in their faith and spiritual gifts.
Based on my experience in a life-giving community, I determined the qualities that my perfectly cultivated community should possess:
The best example of the feeling of God’s presence is a Sunday morning worship service. The feeling in a room full of people whose hearts are tuned into God is electric.
When you are fully engaged in a community of like-minded people, God’s presence is fully known, even when the worship music isn’t playing. A room full of Kingdom-minded people is a force to be reckoned with. There is absolutely nothing that can keep us from achieving our goals together in unity when we have God by our side.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
The great thing about a community is that each member possesses unique skills and talents that benefit everyone else. Just like in a town where many people have different but necessary occupations (doctor, plumber, carpenter, teacher, etc.), a church has many different but necessary parts as well.
A life-giving community equips and empowers each individual to utilize their spiritual gifts. Each person should have the opportunity to contribute according to what God has called them to do. No one should ever feel left out or useless.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
Recently, my church put on a huge community service event where we took on multiple projects in the city. I was on the high school campus cleanup crew. It’s amazing how quickly 20 people can repaint the exterior walls of a classroom building when each one of us jumps in and takes on a specific task.
The desire for our church to serve our hometown community allowed us to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to show the students and teachers of that school what the love of Jesus is.
A life-giving community not only encourages and promotes service but actively engages in it as a whole. When we serve together, we get to experience the overflowing abundance of God’s love and see its full effect on those around us.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)
While community is necessary to grow in our faith and to keep God’s commandments, take heart, my introverted friends! There is still a time and place to feed our solitude-loving souls.
Even though Jesus is known for His way with people—how He loved them, showed them compassion, and ministered to them—the Bible also emphasizes His need to be alone.
He spent most of His waking hours healing the sick, preaching, baptizing, and dining with sinners. The thought of this exhausts me. No wonder, after a long day, He could be found up in the mountains alone.
“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23 (ESV)
Not only did He find solitude at the end of a long day, but He would also wake up early for quiet time. This is another great practice that I can rarely function without. If I miss my early morning quiet time, I feel ill-equipped for the day.
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (ESV)
Starting and ending each day in quiet, away from others, and in prayer provides us with the energy and refreshment needed to continue to engage in community.
If you feel overwhelmed and need to be alone but cannot get away, learn how to retreat inside of yourself by way of the Holy Spirit. If you can learn this one simple “trick,” you can find solitude in the loudest and most crowded places. Seek solace in God and He will give you the inner peace that you need.
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7 (ESV)
Sometimes, if the tension is high, and I really need to be alone, I can become irritable and easily agitated. The last thing that I want to do is act in a manner that is less than pleasant. Learning how to retreat into a safe, quiet place within my soul keeps me out of trouble. I have learned to take deep breaths, pray silently to God to help me be patient, and be silent so I don’t say something that I’ll later regret.
Be encouraged, my friend. Being introverted isn’t a curse. If anything, I see it as a blessing. I find just as much joy in being alone as I do in being part of a life-giving, Kingdom-minded community. I encourage you to give it a try and see how even introverts can thrive in the right kind of community.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/LeoPatrizi
Jennifer Jabbour resides in the scenic San Diego countryside with her husband, adult son, and teen daughter, and their hilarious English Bulldog. Jennifer has a B.A. in Integrated Business Communications, and is a Go + Tell Gals licensed life coach. Jennifer hopes to use her calling of writing, coaching, and speaking to equip and empower women to clarify their vision and to boldly step forward in response to God’s calling on their life, as well as educate and encourage others to experience the abundance of God’s goodness when they seek Him first in all that they do. Jennifer is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a photographer, and an avid outdoors-woman. She loves camping, hiking, running, and playing the piano in her free time.
You can keep up with Jennifer on her website https://www.jenniferjabbour.
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Jen Jabbour
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As an adult, I crave alone time. The funny thing is, I didn’t really think that alone time was something I would struggle to find, until one day, I woke up, a married woman with two kids and three dogs, and realized that I am never ever alone. While some people are afraid to be alone, I’m actually more afraid of the thought of never getting to be alone again.
Months often go by when I don’t hang out with friends. It’s not really a planned or intentional thing; I just really enjoy my alone time and protect it a lot.
If you’re an introvert, I probably don’t even need to explain myself. You get it. There’s definitely a tug between spending quality time with the people you love and finding enough solitude that you are fully present when you are with them.
Over the years, I’ve learned to carefully navigate the boundaries of the soul care I need by making sure I get adequate alone time, giving just enough of myself so my family and friends don’t feel neglected. The one area that I’ve struggled to progress in is that of community. I’ve always had a take-it-or-leave-it mentality when it comes to anything that appears like community; that is until recently, when I had my first real, life-giving community experience.
Even introverts need community, and let me tell you why. God made us for community. He tells us to gather with other believers to help and serve each other and to encourage each other. God created Eve so that Adam wouldn’t be alone. Jesus had His disciples. All throughout the Bible, we read story upon story of people with other people.
Think about it—if God didn’t intend for us to be in community with others, there would be no need to bring us together as one body (the Church), and all the passages in the New Testament that tell us how to treat others would be pointless. However, community is important to God, and, as an introvert, I must continually remind myself of all the reasons why I need community.
If you’re an introvert, you might disagree that community is necessary. So let me rephrase it—introverts need the right community, one that is life-giving, not life-sucking. Just one year ago, I didn’t feel such a strong need for community, but last December, I traveled across the country to attend a retreat with over 100 other like-minded women. Not only am I an introvert, but I have always struggled to fit in with other women. So you can imagine the anxiety I felt as I walked into the room on the first day. I even woke up early that morning to mentally prepare myself.
However, during this two-day retreat, I felt a bond and comfort that I had never felt before with such a large group of women. For the first time in my life, I was able to just be myself and felt comfortable talking to strangers. Ever since then, I have craved more of this kind of experience. Until you have experienced the kind of community that feeds your soul, you can’t understand what it’s like to be part of a community where even the most introverted person can thrive.
After this experience, I found myself looking for a community that could replicate what I felt in those two days. In the days after the retreat, I realized that a community like that is rare and might be nearly impossible to find. I came to the conclusion that I would need to cultivate a community on my own. I would need to find like-minded people to do life with, who are rooted and grounded in love, who will sharpen each other, and who are committed to seeing each other thrive and grow in their faith and spiritual gifts.
Based on my experience in a life-giving community, I determined the qualities that my perfectly cultivated community should possess:
The best example of the feeling of God’s presence is a Sunday morning worship service. The feeling in a room full of people whose hearts are tuned into God is electric.
When you are fully engaged in a community of like-minded people, God’s presence is fully known, even when the worship music isn’t playing. A room full of Kingdom-minded people is a force to be reckoned with. There is absolutely nothing that can keep us from achieving our goals together in unity when we have God by our side.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
The great thing about a community is that each member possesses unique skills and talents that benefit everyone else. Just like in a town where many people have different but necessary occupations (doctor, plumber, carpenter, teacher, etc.), a church has many different but necessary parts as well.
A life-giving community equips and empowers each individual to utilize their spiritual gifts. Each person should have the opportunity to contribute according to what God has called them to do. No one should ever feel left out or useless.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)
Recently, my church put on a huge community service event where we took on multiple projects in the city. I was on the high school campus cleanup crew. It’s amazing how quickly 20 people can repaint the exterior walls of a classroom building when each one of us jumps in and takes on a specific task.
The desire for our church to serve our hometown community allowed us to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to show the students and teachers of that school what the love of Jesus is.
A life-giving community not only encourages and promotes service but actively engages in it as a whole. When we serve together, we get to experience the overflowing abundance of God’s love and see its full effect on those around us.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (ESV)
While community is necessary to grow in our faith and to keep God’s commandments, take heart, my introverted friends! There is still a time and place to feed our solitude-loving souls.
Even though Jesus is known for His way with people—how He loved them, showed them compassion, and ministered to them—the Bible also emphasizes His need to be alone.
He spent most of His waking hours healing the sick, preaching, baptizing, and dining with sinners. The thought of this exhausts me. No wonder, after a long day, He could be found up in the mountains alone.
“And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” Matthew 14:23 (ESV)
Not only did He find solitude at the end of a long day, but He would also wake up early for quiet time. This is another great practice that I can rarely function without. If I miss my early morning quiet time, I feel ill-equipped for the day.
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (ESV)
Starting and ending each day in quiet, away from others, and in prayer provides us with the energy and refreshment needed to continue to engage in community.
If you feel overwhelmed and need to be alone but cannot get away, learn how to retreat inside of yourself by way of the Holy Spirit. If you can learn this one simple “trick,” you can find solitude in the loudest and most crowded places. Seek solace in God and He will give you the inner peace that you need.
“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7 (ESV)
Sometimes, if the tension is high, and I really need to be alone, I can become irritable and easily agitated. The last thing that I want to do is act in a manner that is less than pleasant. Learning how to retreat into a safe, quiet place within my soul keeps me out of trouble. I have learned to take deep breaths, pray silently to God to help me be patient, and be silent so I don’t say something that I’ll later regret.
Be encouraged, my friend. Being introverted isn’t a curse. If anything, I see it as a blessing. I find just as much joy in being alone as I do in being part of a life-giving, Kingdom-minded community. I encourage you to give it a try and see how even introverts can thrive in the right kind of community.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/LeoPatrizi
Jennifer Jabbour resides in the scenic San Diego countryside with her husband, adult son, and teen daughter, and their hilarious English Bulldog. Jennifer has a B.A. in Integrated Business Communications, and is a Go + Tell Gals licensed life coach. Jennifer hopes to use her calling of writing, coaching, and speaking to equip and empower women to clarify their vision and to boldly step forward in response to God’s calling on their life, as well as educate and encourage others to experience the abundance of God’s goodness when they seek Him first in all that they do. Jennifer is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a photographer, and an avid outdoors-woman. She loves camping, hiking, running, and playing the piano in her free time.
You can keep up with Jennifer on her website https://www.jenniferjabbour.
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Jen Jabbour
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David and I have been together for four years, but his actions have caused me a lot of emotional pain. Despite this, I find myself unable to let go. He often dismisses my feelings, making me feel insignificant. He frequently criticizes me, leaving me feeling insecure and unworthy. David has a tendency to ignore me when I need support, leaving me feeling isolated and alone. Despite these hurtful experiences, I still feel deeply attached to him, and I don’t understand why. I want to be able to leave the relationship but I can’t get myself to. Can you help me understand why I’m struggling to let go of this relationship, despite the pain David has caused me? Why am I so attached to someone who hurt me?
This is a fairly common concern people come into therapy with – not being able to let go of someone who has hurt them, and continues to hurt them, despite wanting to. This something I share with a lot of my clients, that being with someone like that often comes with a lot of shame. Perhaps you have friends who keep telling you, “Just break up with them!” or, “You need to love yourself enough to walk away from this.” Such statements, though well-intentioned, often carry a lot of judgement. Which often makes it difficult for the person stuck in a bad relationship that much harder to open up to their friends about.
Related Reading: 20 Proven Ways To Make Him Feel Guilty For Hurting You
The first order of business here is to release yourself from shame. It is not easy to walk away from someone you love, even when they hurt you. This does not make you weak, or any less worthy of respect. There are several reasons why walking away from such a relationship is so difficult:
In parting, I would just like to tell you that you don’t need the attachment to go away in order to leave someone. Sometimes, to protect yourself, you leave someone even when you love them still. You cannot always reason with your attachment, but you can make a choice for yourself which keeps you physically, mentally and emotionally safe.
There are many reasons why you could have feelings for someone who hurt you:
1. You’re hoping they can change
2. You remember the good times with this person and wish to go back to that
3. Your feelings linger from when this person treated you well
4. You’re forgiving of their actions because you might believe it’s okay for them to treat you in this manner
5. You’re scared of the possibility of not having feelings for them
1. Give it time. Its important to be kind and patient with yourself, the way you would be with a child.
2.Spend time on creating pockets of joy in your day. These little bursts of happiness can give you enough to get you through
3. Invest in yourself. Do something for yourself that you always wanted to do. Show yourself what the right way of being loved is
4. Work on raising your self-esteem, and detach your self-worth from how others treat you
5. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself
6. Consider taking therapy or counseling
We often keep going back to the same situation, despite knowing the answer, because we want it to be different so badly. Hope is stubborn, and it is this hope that brings us back to them.
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One of the best things in an older person’s life is their grandchildren. I know so many people who are grandparents and are over the moon about their grandchildren. They like to spend as much time as possible with them and miss them if they live far away or aren’t around as much. Of course, they love spoiling them; what grandparent doesn’t? Still, there are some practical ways you can show your grands that you love them. Here are some ideas to show your love.
Spend some quality time with your grandchildren. By quality time, I mean doing something together where you interact and can have conversations. Make sure it’s something you both enjoy, like going on a hike, doing a craft, or making a favorite dessert.
In this world of technology, sending your grandchildren a quick email or text is easy. Still, it isn’t the most personal way to connect. Instead, sit down and take some time to write a heartfelt letter to your grandchildren. You can do this for a group and express your heartfelt love for all of them, or you can write each of them a letter individually to let them know how special they are and how much you love them. You can share your favorite memories with them, what you hope for them in the future, and your favorite qualities that they have. Your letter will become a cherished keepsake.
Photo credit: GettyImages/jacoblund
Sit down and compile a cookbook together with your favorite family recipes. To make it even more special, hire someone to create a professional cover and format the interior. Then, upload it to Amazon and have it printed without publishing it. That way, you can print copies for friends and family without it being on sale to the public.
Sit down and write a story with your grandchildren about them and how special your bond is. Have them create the illustrations. Once again, to make it even more special, hire someone to create a professional cover for it and format the interior. Then, set up an Amazon KDP account and decide whether you want to publish it or not.
Set up a day to go out, just you and your grandchildren. This could be a trip to the zoo, the children’s museum, or even an amusement park or shopping complex. This will show them how much you love spending quality time with them.
There is nothing more powerful than praying for your grandkids. Ask the Lord to help them, guide them, and guard them.
Praying with them about things that are bothering them is another priceless way that you can show them you love them.
Making their favorite meals is also a great way to show your love. Many times, there are dishes our grandmothers make that are hard to duplicate. We try to, but it’s not quite the same. For me, it’s my grandmother’s buttermilk cookies. Food brings us together and is a great way to show your love.
Design a treasure hunt according to your grandchildren’s interests. You can do this in your backyard or even in your home if it’s raining.
Do your grandchildren live far away, or are they at college or even in the military? Then, send them a care package with some of their favorite things and some handwritten notes. This will brighten their day and make them feel even more connected to you.
Gather your favorite memories via photo and use a site like Shutterfly to make a book. My best friend did this for me and my husband after our wedding. Your grandkids will love being able to look back at all the memories they have made with you and will cherish the book forever.
Have a movie night with your grandkids and snuggle up together with blankets and their favorite snacks. They will love spending time with you.
When you are talking with your grandkids, actively listen to them and ask questions to let them know you hear them and are paying attention.
If you know a skill, trade, or have a favorite hobby, share that with your grandchildren. Teach them how to bake, change the oil in a car, and how to change a tire, or build something, for example. They will appreciate it later on in life.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Zinkevych
Share something fun with your grandkids every day. Send them a funny meme, share an article about something they like, or tell them about your day.
Take a week in the summer and have your kids stay with you for “camp.” Plan the activities and other things you will do together ahead of time.
Take each of your grandkids out or have them over one at a time so you can spend some one-on-one time with them. This way, you can focus on them alone and not have to worry about the other children in your care. Your grandkids will feel special and loved by having this time with you.
If you can still drive, as your grandkids get older, offer to take them to after-school practices and activities. Your grandkids will love being picked up at school, and their parents will be very grateful for the help.
Kids love getting mail, so send them something once a month. This could be a card, a letter, or even a special subscription box that correlates with one of their favorite interests.
Make sure you connect with your grandkids on a weekly basis. This can be via email, text, face timing, or a phone call. Let them know their importance to you by carving out time for them every week.
If you have the means, monitor airfares and fly your grandchildren out to see you when you find a good price.
If you live far away, celebrate your grandkid’s birthdays by baking a cake together via video chat. You can make a small cake while your grandchild and their parents can go whole hog on a two-tier, fully decorated cake. Make sure you bake and decorate your cake together via Facetime on your tablet or laptop if possible.
You can do this in several ways. Hallmark has recordable storybooks where you can read the story and it will record your voice. You can also record yourself reading it and send it to your grandkids on their phone. I read an article about a grandma who started her own YouTube channel, and she records herself reading storybooks to her grandchildren who live far away. I think this is very cool.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Edwin Tan
Once again, if you find cheap airfare, book a flight and visit your grandchildren. They will appreciate the time and effort it took to spend time with them.
If you live close by, spend an afternoon reading their favorite books to them.
There are many practical ways you can spend time with your grandkids, both near and far, to show them you love them. Choose a few options from the list above and start planning how you are going to spend your time the next time you are together.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/andreswd
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Carrie Lowrance
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Recently, a lady in my church approached me and asked me what the Bible says about forgiving other people. I loved her honesty and told her I would think about it and let her know. After doing a little bit of research, I came up with a few verses that I sent her.
However, I could not send these Scriptures to her without being moved by them myself. Here are four lessons I am learning about forgiveness (and I expect I will always be learning them):
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray with what we often call “The Lord’s Prayer,” he said to pray like this: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Then, just in case there were any questions about that, Jesus followed that up with this:
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15, ESV).
Elsewhere in the Bible, Mark records this similar teaching of Jesus from a different time:
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25, ESV).
What I am learning as I live my life is that the more I experience and appreciate God’s forgiveness of my sins, the more I am reminded and even compelled to forgive others. This has played out, especially in my closest relationships, such as with my wife and father.
I have a bad memory. My memory is so bad that my wife often has to remind me how bad it is.
But even with my bad memory, it is difficult (or even impossible) to forget how someone has hurt me, lied to me, or mistreated me in my past. Those experiences of trauma can stay with us our whole life. We do not have the power to forget them completely. We can suppress them, but they are still there in the subconscious recesses of our mind, and (as I have heard many times) “our body keeps the score” of the trauma we have gone through.
God, on the other hand, is able to choose to forget the debt. I am not saying that he misplaces his notes or that his omniscience has an end. Instead, he has the supernatural ability to decide what he connects to us. While I believe God still knows what we as Christians have done against him, he lets go of and forgets the debt that we owe for our sins. That is justification. Paul explains it like this:
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14, ESV)
When we are in Christ (meaning we are essentially hidden behind Jesus in God’s sight), we are no longer living under condemnation for our sins. We will still have to deal with natural consequences, but there is no more guilt associated with our sin. Our judge has declared us unequivocally “not guilty.”
I love the picture the psalmist gives us about this when he writes in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
As tough as it is to admit, I have hurt others. There are times when I have hurt my parents, my spouse, my children, my friends, and the people I have tried to lead. There are times when it was totally accidental, and there are times when it was on purpose because I was angry or trying to be vindictive.
In the same way that I want others to not hold my sin against me after I have asked for their forgiveness, the way that I display my love to others is by forgiving them for their wrongdoing. Constantly bringing up someone’s sin against me or continuing to look at them through the filter of their mistakes is not loving.
The Apostle Paul (who knew a thing or two about being forgiven for much) wrote in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (ESV). He also wrote to the believers in Colossae, “If one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:13, ESV).
If I do not forgive someone (as I have had to often do in my life), then I do not love them. For example, I do not hold the sins, mistakes, and failures of my children over them and treat them differently because I have an unconditional love for them (or at least as much as humanly possible). One of the understandings that I have realized that has really helped me do this is to recognize that we all have things we are dealing with and “hurt people hurt people.” In order to love and forgive others well, I often need to remember that they are just acting out in the best way they know.
One of the greatest abilities I have as a friend and family member of others is my power to forgive. Anyone can retaliate and hurt someone for their actions. It is so natural to do so that even animals can react and retaliate. But it takes great power and intentional love to forgive others after they hurt us. As Jesus taught Peter and his other disciples:
“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22, ESV)
In the same way that God forgives me for my past, present, and future sins (for which I am incredibly thankful), I have the power to forgive others. While this doesn’t mean that I need to position myself in the same place I was before in order to get hurt in the same way, it does mean that when I love someone, I will continue to forgive them and move on instead of being stuck in bitterness and unforgiveness.
As I think back over my own life, I can honestly say that I have forgiven many people for how they hurt me. This forgiveness has given me a sense of closure and peace that has helped me live a better life. But this power to forgive did not come from me—it came from the Holy Spirit within me. Any unforgiveness I still have because of unsettled issues is still there because I have not allowed God to fill those bitter spots with love.
So, let’s allow God’s forgiveness to sprout in us. Let’s live in great appreciation for how he has canceled our debts and chooses not to hold our sins against us. Let’s live out our love by forgiving others. And let’s wield the greatest power we have at our disposal: forgiveness.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/greenleaf123
This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit
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Robert Hampshire
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Isolating has always been a temptation for me. Even in my faith, I’ve attempted to follow Jesus with minimal dependence on others while avoiding sharing my struggles and fears. But living the Christian life in isolation doesn’t work for long.
Why can’t I seek God on my own and please Him? Why is community essential to following Christ?
Community can be defined as “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” For Christians, it’s sharing our sorrows and joys while living authentically by allowing others to see our weaknesses and our strengths. It’s confessing our sins to one another and praying for each other. Christian community involves seeking God and worshiping Him together.
We’ll never be able to fully comprehend God, but we know He is “three in one,” called the Trinity. When creating man, “God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness’…So God created mankind in his own image” (Genesis 1:26-27 NIV). God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit worked together in creation.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have always been in community, united as one. When Jesus was on Earth, He cried out in prayer for us: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us” (John 17:20-21 NIV). God wants us to experience the joy of harmony as He does.
Paul, a New Testament missionary, wrote “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV). These three always operate as One. They are a picture of the unity God desires for all believers.
Jesus came to Earth to live perfectly, die as a sacrifice for all sin, and then rise again, conquering death forever. He was the only One who could save us: He had to do that alone. But He ministered in community. Many followed Him, but He called twelve special disciples to be His apostles. They were continually together as He taught them and prepared them for ministry after His return to heaven.
Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV). He gave this command multiple times.
When the disciples weren’t with Jesus, He sent them out in pairs to minister to people: “Calling the Twelve to Him, He began to send them out two by two…” (Mark 6:7a NIV). God does use us as individuals, and sometimes we serve alone, but He intends that we minister in community.
King Solomon of Old Testament times wisely wrote, “Pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:10b NIV). Everyone faces times of hardship, pain, and sorrow. Having to go through those times alone can magnify the pain and leave us feeling hopeless.
We need others to pick us up, hold our hands, or sit quietly with us in our pain. In the Christian community, it’s powerful to see people circling someone who has experienced loss or illness. When someone is there to help us carry our burdens, the weight is lifted from our shoulders. At those times, we can rest knowing we’re not alone.
I remember a time when a dear friend was in an explosion in her garage. After hurrying to the emergency room to check on her, I discovered at least a dozen people from our church there. We circled on the lawn to pray as a helicopter took her to a larger city for care. That is community.
When writing to encourage believers in Galatia, Paul exhorted, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NIV). Christians are called to help each other with our struggles and difficulties. God never intended for us to walk alone.
We’re encouraged by the Lord’s brother, James, to “confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV). Instead of feeling like we need to hide our sins and weaknesses in our Christian fellowship, we should be able to confess, pray for each other, and find freedom. Of course, this needs to take place with a group of believers we know and trust. But keeping our struggles and sins in the dark also keeps us bound to them.
King Solomon of Old Testament times, known for his wisdom, wrote this proverb: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17 NIV). Our brothers and sisters in Christ are there to help us in hard times.
Paul continually sent out letters of encouragement to New Testament believers. When writing to those in Rome, he expressed, “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12 NIV). Sharing our faith gives comfort to others.
King Solomon also wrote, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV). As much as our prideful selves believe we can operate alone, we need others to sharpen us or we become dull and discouraged.
Meeting regularly isn’t just a rule to follow. We come together not only to worship our Lord but also because we need each other. Scripture urges, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV).
Being part of a small group is emphasized in my church. These groups meet weekly to study, pray, and do life together. For some years I’d resisted joining one for various reasons. But God recently orchestrated events, and I was suddenly in a life group again. After a couple of weeks, I realized the gift He had given me. Mine is a group of women who are there for each other, praying, encouraging, caring, listening, and understanding. Community is a gift God wants to give.
Paul labeled all believers as “the Body of Christ”. He compared us to a human body, saying, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5 NIV). We need everyone’s gifts working together to fulfill God’s purpose for us on earth. God has given me spiritual gifts, but not every gift. Encouraging and serving others is the goal.
Speaking of believers as a body, Paul taught, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ and the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’…there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:21,25-26 NIV). We’re all part of the Body of Christ and are called to unity.
After Pentecost, when God sent the Holy Spirit as a gift to believers, the church enjoyed a time of great unity. Paul recorded, “All the believers were together and had everything in common…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44-47 NIV). Working together is the most effective way to serve God.
Seeking to operate independently is the opposite of what God wants for His people. His call is for unity within community. Paul expressed this so beautifully: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV). God desires that, as one, we would focus on glorifying Him.
Paul continues with this advice: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7 NIV). We must put aside our differences to love each other and work in unity for His glory.
-Seek a local church with strong Bible teaching where the gospel of Jesus Christ is taught.
-Go with an open heart and mind, willing to reach out to others.
-Look for small groups to participate in, such as Bible studies, life groups, or service-oriented groups.
-Pray and ask God to send at least one close friend.
-Share your real self with others.
-Be a friend.
-Remember that building relationships takes time.
-Join in with what the church has to offer.
-Invite someone to study the Bible with you, be a prayer partner, or meet weekly to encourage each other.
-Be open to service opportunities. Take meals to those in need. Help in a food pantry. Volunteer with kids or youth.
Overall, love others. One of my favorite Scriptures says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8 NIV). When we love others, we accept, forgive, and offer grace. In humility, we seek what is good for those we love. Enjoy the gift of community.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/pondsaksit
Susan Aken writes devotions and articles for Wholly Loved Ministries, is an Oklahoma native who’s lived in Nebraska since 1987 and has been in public education for over thirty years. She and her husband have one son and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Besides writing she has a passion for special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and a nice cup of tea. She believes life is a journey and we’re all in different places. Jesus is everything to her and it’s all about grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.
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Susan Aken
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Every bride-to-be knows what an exciting and exhilarating experience it is to put together a wedding of her dreams. A pivotal part of making the process easier and the wedding day that much more dazzling are your bridesmaids. Not only do they see you through the most stressful moments of wedding planning but also add elegance and charm to the wedding party, not to mention, taking on the crucial role of keeping you comfortable and your nerves calm.
Naturally, you’d want such an important part of your journey toward marital bliss to be highlighted and recognized on the big day. One way of doing that is choosing the most exquisite dresses for your bridesmaids. When we think of bridesmaid dresses, satin comes up as a natural frontrunner for choice of fabric. But why is satin such a popular choice? And is it right for you? Let’s find out
Satin bridesmaid dresses have surged in popularity, thanks to their timeless elegance and versatile appeal. Here’s why they’ve become a top choice:
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The timeless elegance of satin bridesmaid dresses can hardly be questioned. But what makes it so? Well, there are a host of reasons why the satin fabric and bridesmaid dresses are a match made in heaven. They range from the luxurious texture and subtle sheen of the fabric to its ability to flatter diverse body types, and resist wrinkles. Besides, satin dresses fit right into a variety of themes, vibes, and styles, ranging from formal and traditional to chic and modern.
Before we delve into the intricacies of satin dresses for bridesmaids and how to zero-in on the perfect fit and style, let’s take a closer look at what makes this fabric such a timeless classic.
Satin is a lustrous fabric known for its smooth texture and glossy surface. It is created using a weaving technique that produces a shiny front side and a dull backside. Typically made from silk, polyester, or a blend of both, satin has a luxurious feel and appearance.
Its tightly woven fibers give it a fluid drape, making it ideal for elegant garments like evening gowns, lingerie, and of course, bridesmaid dresses. Satin’s versatility and timeless allure have cemented its status as a staple in the world of fashion and textile production.
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The following distinctive features of the fabric contribute to its enduring popularity:
Satin has diverse applications, owing to its luxurious texture and versatility:
Satin offers endless design possibilities, from classic elegance to modern chic:
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The satin fabric can be cut in several different ways, each offering an equally flattering fit and drape:
Satin fabric lends itself to a variety of flattering silhouettes such as:
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The trends in satin dresses often reflect a blend of timeless elegance with modern sophistication:
Matching satin bridesmaid dresses has been a popular trend in bridal fashion. One of the key reasons why it has been the go-to choice for dazzling bridesmaids to put their best forward for the bride-to-be is the versatility and pliability of this fabric, which allows weaving in an element of cohesion and uniformity while also retaining a touch of individuality.
For instance, choosing similar styles or varying shades from a specific color palette allows each bridesmaid to express their individuality while maintaining a cohesive look. Whether in classic neutrals or contemporary jewel tones, matching satin bridesmaid dresses create a polished aesthetic that accentuates the appeal of the entire ceremony.
Selecting matching satin dresses for bridesmaids revolves around two fundamental principles — cohesion and individuality. Cohesion ensures a harmony with the overall theme and creates a unified aesthetic. Individuality empowers bridesmaids to select styles that flatter their body types and suit their personal preferences. Striking this balance is crucial for ensuring that while a bride’s image manifests perfectly on her wedding day, each member of the Team Bride feels confident and resplendent in their chosen attire. Here are some considerations to be mindful of in order to strike that balance:
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Selecting the right accessories to complement matching satin dresses is a vital part of the process. Here are the key considerations for accessorizing satin bridesmaid dresses the right way:
The way you style your hair can make or break a look. That’s why bridesmaids must carefully choose hairstyling options keeping in mind the following:
Aligning matching satin dresses with the wedding theme brings out the element of harmony even more. Here are some tips on matching satin bridesmaid dresses with the overall wedding theme:
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Personalizing matching bridesmaid satin dresses is vital to ensure some of the most important people in the wedding party are comfortable and at ease. Here are some way to achieve that:
When buying satin bridesmaid dresses, the following factors can ensure a seamless shopping experience
Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses can be an elaborate, often taxing, process. But with clarity of vision, being in sync with your bridesmaids, and choosing a fabric like satin that you just can’t go wrong with, you can check this item off your wedding to-do list rather seamlessly.
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