As with all our shows, we’re approaching this topic of dating later in life from a Christian perspective.

• We believe it’s the healthiest way to approach dating.
• Looking at every date through the lens of a good, good father who is crazy about you and has amazing plans for your life is very different than how the world views dating.
• Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our heart above all things because everything you do flows from it.
• We say all this knowing already we are swimming up stream in a hookup culture where for many it is just a game. 
• There are so many men and women who have lived with multiple people either living together or through marriage and have the attitude of “ What do I have to loose???” That may not be your approach, but that may just be the attitude of the next person you decide to date…
• So…here are some things to think about and pray over before you say YES to your next date. 

Before you go on your next date:

• Find your identity and purpose in God first. Focus on building your relationship with Him and understanding His plan for your life. Waaay too many men and women are looking for something in a date that ONLY God was designed to give them. Things like identity, worth, value…don’t seek that from a date. You will continue to come up empty. There is a God shaped hole in our hearts that only he can fill. 
• Become the best version of yourself regardless if you’re dating or not. That’s actually a very attractive quality to a potential date. So many young adults and middle aged folks have experienced a difficult relationship and have lost motivation to even take care of themselves. They have let themself go. Take the time to develop healthy habits NOW and work on personal growth physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually. Identify your passions and goals and write them down so that you know what to share when you begin to date. 
• Look for a potential partner at the places you enjoy being at. If you’re a fitness buff, keep your eyes open at the gym. If you're a concert lover, take some friends with you to a concert and look for other single groups there. Maybe your workplace is big enough that there are single coworkers that get together and hang out after work.  
• Know what you're looking for: Write down the important qualities and values you want in a potential partner BEFORE you begin to date someone.. Star the ones that are not negotiable. This could be shared beliefs, morals/values, character traits, life goals, etc. 
• Dating apps-According to Pew Research 30% of adults have used a dating app at least once. 75-80% of those adults are men. 

Things to keep in mind:

• If you play around fire, you’re bound to get burnt: Keep in mind the places you’re hanging out have alot to do with the dates you attract.
• What you WEAR and how you ACT around others also attracts certain kinds of dates. 
  • Provocative clothing? You’re advertising for a hook up
  • Drinking to get drunk? You’re not in a healthy place emotionally. If that’s your date on a regular basis…run! They are numbing some kind of pain or past trauma. You also put yourself in a vulnerable maybe even dangerous position. 
  • Risky behavior you are not comfortable with? Illegal behavior or illicit drugs?
• Andy Stanley did a sermon series years ago called Love, Dates, and Heartbreaks. He said “Become the pe

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