"In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude as Christ." (Philippians 2:5)

Is your relationship really goals? Nowadays, scrolling through social media makes dating seem like you must live in a fairytale world in order to be happy. People strive for these things called "relationship goals". I can't even get on my Facebook, Instagram, or snapchat without seeing pictures of couples buying gifts for each other, smiling, laughing, and taking cute pictures. I'm a social media addict so I know I'm not the only one who believed these were actually goals. I was that person. I thought following in the footsteps of those sweet and cute goals were real. All these things aren't really relationship "goals". We try to blend in with the rest of the world that we don't really notice what's real and what's not. Relationships are much more than all these things.

Being in a relationship is supposed to make you happy, stress free, and you should still even get the butterflies. Our society's more hooked on hookups & short terms flings than having a long term relationship. A true relationship means confidence in each other's love for each other and you should bring the good out in each other. People should consider different goals for theirselves that strengthen each other and their future. Arguing is normal and sometimes it's needed to strengthen each person. Something I've been asked in a relationship is "How come you never post pictures of us anymore?". Well, don't assume it's because they don't want people to know about you. But don't broadcast your relationship. As in, don't post pictures all the time. Relationships are meant to be kept private. No stress? No sadness? No drama? That's "real" relationship goals.

I am a strong believer in the saying "couples who pray together, stay together." So what I'm saying is, PRAY TOGETHER and for each other while you still can. I'm guilty of not always putting God at the center of my previous relationship, but I'm thankful I have a heads up for the next chance I'm given. You're gonna go through the worst to get to the best. I've experienced God doesn't make bad things happen to hurt you, He does it to pull you closer. Relationships need to be built on the love of Jesus & you need to love each other how Jesus loves you. It's hard finding someone who shares the same values and beliefs as you. Make sure you're dating someone who is going to help you achieve your goals, wishes, and dreams. Something I've learned is everything is a two way street, each person needs to be putting in the same amount of effort.

A real elationship goal is getting into fights and being able to solve the problem together. A real relationship goal is not giving up when you're mad at the other person. A real relationship goal is going through a really rough time and still wanting to be with that person.

My advice to you: Be the person you would want your future son/daughter to be dating. Find ways to better yourself. Make sure you choose the ones that are healthy and build you up. Try not to get caught in negatives and try seeing all of the positives. Avoid negative influences. Negative people want other negative people to be negative with them. Break that cycle. Find a relationship where you can talk about the future. Here's a big tip, if you're hanging around the wrong people, you're probably dating the wrong people.

Most important: it does not matter what others think as long as you are happy.

Make sure your loved one has what it takes to be relationship goals.