Author Archives: HopefulGirl

The best thing about online dating is the amazing number and variety of people you get to meet with a click. Sometimes, that’s also the worst thing.

‘I connected with a nice guy online, we met up a few times, and he seemed keen to pursue a relationship,’ said the email. ‘But since then, he’s blown hot and cold. For a few weeks, he’ll be enthusiastic and romantic and talk about the future… then he’ll withdraw and say he’s not ready for a relationship… then the cycle starts again. I really like him but this is wearing me down. At what point do I call it quits?’

Last month, I shared some tips for putting on an event at your church for single Christians. However, getting to spend time with other single believers doesn’t have to mean running an all-singing, all-dancing, all-praising extravaganza. If you’d prefer to start small, a local meet-up on your patch is a great way to make new connections and doesn’t take too much arranging. You don’t have to start a new career as an events organiser to meet people!

‘There aren’t many singles in my congregation and I’ve love to meet more believers in my area for friendship, fellowship and maybe more,’ said the email. ‘I’m thinking about putting on an event at my church for local singles, but I’m not sure where to start. Any advice, HopefulGirl?’

‘I’m losing heart with online dating,’ said the Facebook post. ‘No one answers my messages. Last week, I sent over 30 messages to different people, and they were all ignored! Where am I going wrong?’

‘I live with a chronic illness that isn’t obvious to others but can be disabling,’ said the email. ‘I’ve joined a Christian dating website but I can’t decide whether to mention my condition in my profile. I know it could put people off, but I also don’t want anyone to feel deceived. What do you think, HopefulGirl?’

We’ve all got at least one friend who, when they’re single, is keen to meet up, go out and spend time together. But as soon as they start dating someone, they suddenly drop all their pals like a basket of hot potatoes. Regular get-togethers are neglected, phone calls go unreturned, you hardly ever see their face at church – it’s like they’ve been abducted by aliens. Until, that is, their relationship breaks up or starts going south. Then, suddenly, they’re back wanting to hang out – until the next time they meet someone. Do you have a friend like that? Or – let’s be honest – are you that friend?

Valentine’s Day is coming – a day when we traditionally declare our feelings to someone we love. Perhaps you’re considering telling a friend that you’re interested in them romantically, but you’re not certain how they’ll react. Or maybe you’re pretty sure they share your feelings, but neither of you has found the courage to make the first move. When a friendship turns romantic, it’s natural to have mixed feelings – will it be awkward and embarrassing? Will it spoil what you already have? If you think a friendship may be growing into love (or you’d like it to), here are six issues worth considering…