By RTF Staff Writer Sarah Rupp

Could the way society presents dating be messing with God’s ultimate plan for relationships? Is the media so in love with the idea of dating that we forget it’s supposed to be a special experience?

Since eighth grade, I’ve prayed God will help keep me pure and wait for the right guy to come along whom I would eventually marry. I even made up a list of characteristics this special man of my future would have.

Making a list is a great thing to do while you’re still single. We all think we know what we want in a dating relationship, but very few of us write it down and really think about it. I talk with many girls in the middle of “boy drama” who wish they’d made a list.

Guys, this isn’t just for girls. Let’s give it a try!

1. Pray. This is the most important step to creating the list. God knows exactly what this person is like and would love to assist you in your list-making.

1. Dream. I imagine you already have an idea of what you want in a relationship. Looking at my list, I worry I’ll never find him. At those times, God gently whispers, “Wait for him. I’ll bring him to you when you’re ready. Don’t settle for anything less.”

1. Raise the standard. Chat with couples who have remained abstinent until marriage. What did they do to keep their purity? Raise the bar higher than you think. Temptation likes to sneak in and grab you. Talk with God about it. Ask Him how he wants you to protect your body and heart.

1. Take a look at your closest friends. What is it you like most about them? Add those personality traits to your list. I noticed my closest friends are outgoing, which offsets my introverted personality. They’re talkers, and I’m a listener. Imagine what it would be like if we were both listeners or both talkers!

1. Don’t be afraid to change your list. As you mature, you’ll gain a better idea of what your future spouse may be like. You’ll change it and add to it numerous times. Be flexible. It’s not written in stone. It’s in pencil on paper. There are these awesome little things called erasers…

1. Remember humans aren’t perfect. Finding the perfect person doesn’t mean he or she is without mistakes. Look through the characteristics on your list, and find places that may be his or her weaknesses. For example, since my man is an outgoing talker, I imagine his big mouth would often get him in trouble.

So go ahead…start writing! Have fun with it. Isn’t it awesome to think of your future spouse?

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Sarah Rupp is a freelance writer who loves God, reading, and music, as well as writing of course! You can find her over at her blog: http://sarahswordsofwitsdom.blogspot.com. She enjoys connecting with readers and other writers though comments.