September 29, 2025 Dating with Purpose: How to Find Love That Lasts
“Love is the free exercise of choice. Two people love each other only when they are quite capable of living without each other but choose to live with each other.”
― M. Scott Peck
Listen to, or read this meditation:
Hey beautiful souls! Let's talk about something close to my heart – dating with real intention. Because your heart deserves more than just weekend fun.
Dating for fun feels like eating candy for dinner. Sure, it's sweet in the moment, but it won't fill you up or make you strong. When you date with purpose, you're looking for something deeper. You want a partner who fits into your real life, not just your Friday night plans.
Know What You Really Want
Before you swipe right on anyone, get clear about your dreams. Do you want kids? A quiet Sunday morning person or an adventure seeker? Someone who shares your faith? Write it down. This isn't being picky – it's being smart with your heart.
Think about the life you're building. Your perfect match should add to that vision, not take away from it. If you're saving money to buy a house, dating someone who spends every penny might cause problems later.
Ask Better Questions
Skip the small talk about favorite movies. Ask about values instead. "What makes you feel most proud?" or "How do you handle stress?" These questions show you who someone really is when life gets tough.
Pay attention to how they treat servers at restaurants. Notice if they keep promises about small things. These details tell you everything about their character.
Take Your Time
Real love doesn't need to rush. When you date with purpose, you're okay with going slow. You want to see how someone acts on bad days, not just good ones. You want to meet their friends and see if they lift each other up or tear each other down.
Don't be afraid to have serious talks early. If someone can't handle honest conversations about the future, they can't handle building one with you.
Trust Your Gut
Your heart knows things your head hasn't figured out yet. If something feels off, don't ignore it. If someone makes you feel like you have to change who you are, they're not your person.
The right person will feel like coming home and going on an adventure at the same time.
Your Action Step
This week, write down three non-negotiable qualities you need in a partner. Not wants – needs. Keep this list somewhere you can see it. Before your next date, read it over. This will help you stay focused on finding someone who truly fits your life, not just your evening.
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