For lent this year, I decided to go on a 40 day dating fast. I had been reading so many articles about women giving up men for 30 days and how their hearts were forever changed by the experience. I wanted to give this experience a try in hopes of my heart being set on fire. Here is what happened when I gave up boys for 40 days.

The rules I set for myself through these forty days were I was only allowed to talk to boys who are family members, a classmate, or a coworker. I was not allowed to talk to guys who were friends or be in a situation where it was just me and a boy hanging out. There had to be someone else there. The rules were strict but they were in place to keep me in line with what I was doing. What actually happened was I started being less strict on myself after about 1.5-2 weeks into the process (lent is a 6 week event). I personally did not see the point of giving up my guy friends for forty days so I talked to them. Once I started talking to my guy friends, then I had my moments where I did catch myself flirting with a guy. It was happening and I did not stop myself. I did not want to hold back from acting upon the flirting because no one wants to put restrictions on these natural feelings. So, I did not stick to the rules I put for myself but it is OK.

What did I learn by doing a dating fast? I actually do not like them or see the purpose of them. I personally did not like the idea of holding myself back from talking to my guy friends or holding those flirty moments back. I don't like the idea of putting my life on hold for a certain amount of time. You are meant to have these feelings towards other people and you should act upon them. Holding these feelings back is not only unhealthy but they can also cause you to go into a world of emotions. I want to live my life how I want to live it. Plus, I personally did not have a change of heart. Instead, I often found myself irked by the regulations I set for myself.

I am glad I did a dating fast for the experience but, I would never do it again or recommend it to someone.

*Disclaimer: Dating fasts don't always work for everyone, but they do work for some people. This was just my experience and someone else could have had a completely different experience!*