Dating is such a touchy subject, and people have all sorts of ideas on how it should go.

Some say that casual dating is the best option, and if you just so happen to find someone you really like in the process, then good for you.

Others don’t believe in marriage and instead want to build a family with someone without ever making it official.

Still others don’t feel the need for any sort of commitment at all—just hook up and call it good.

I disagree with all of those options. I believe dating needs to be intentional, and I believe we need to teach our kids the consequences – both good and bad – of relationships.

You see, if you date with the wrong person, it can really drag you down. I’ve seen way too many people choose to get into a relationship with intentions of molding the other person to fit their idea of a “dream partner.” Newsflash: It never works.

I can’t keep my mouth shut when I see way too many people – especially young ones – settling for less than they deserve.

God created Eve for Adam. We were literally made to partner up with each other and do life together, and if we do it the right way, we complete each other. Two really can be better than one—not worse.

I understand there are hardships and compromises that have to be made along the way, but there is a huge difference between a toxic relationship and a relationship with a healthy number of disagreements.

The bottom line is that it is extremely important to teach our kids not to settle. I believe Satan tries to convince us to have low levels of self-respect just so we will go for someone who doesn’t meet our standards. He wants us to involve ourselves wtih people who will drag us down and get us to do things we wouldn’t do otherwise. But God wants us to know that it is important to find someone who makes us better, not worse.

I’m proud to say that I am dating someone who makes me a better person. He pushes me to have fun and let go of my insecurities, way-too-rigid plans, and every other reservation I have. He leads by example and shows me what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus. He is patient with me and encourages me to stop overanalyzing everything.

Is he perfect? Absolutely not. Does he drive me nuts? YES. But does he make me a better person? 100% YES.

I’d like to believe that this goes both ways and that I have a similar effect on him. Even though we get on each other’s nerves, we know that our lives are way better with each other than they would be alone.

We need to make sure our kids know that if relationships are done the wrong way, they can really mess you up, but if they’re done the right way, they can change your life for the better. It all depends on who you choose to spend your time with.