| Copyright 2005-2007 Dr. Jad Khalaf, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved |
| Copyright 2005-2008 Dr. Jad Khalaf, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved |
| "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15 |
| HOW TO END A DATING/COURTING RELATIONSHIP? BY JAD JAMAL KHALAF The time may come that the relationship must end. The decision to end the relationship may be difficult to do. The following ideas can assist in ending the relationship. Discuss With a Trusted Friend Seek a trusted friend to help process the feelings that are associated with ending the relationship. Make sure the trusted friend does not try to convince or sway the decision. Ask the trusted friend to listen and provide honest feedback. Immediately Do not waste any more time in the relationship, immediately end the relationship. Understand that feelings may be hurt. The result may be painful. Be honest about the feelings and do not make any excuses. Now is better than later to end the relationship. Let Christ Handle the Breakup An individual that is ending the relationship needs to let Christ handle the breakup. Christ will comfort His child and help heal any pain that may be associated with the breakup. In the midst of the emotions’ chaos, Christ provides comfort and peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Be Tactful and Truthful When the relationship ends, do not seek revenge. An individual does not need to be cruel or mean while ending the relationship. Hurt and pain will probably be associated with the breakup, but calm down and be truthful in sharing feelings. An individual that tells the truth can positively shed light on the relationship and the other person. The thought of telling the truth may be frightful but can actually help the other person realize an area(s) that need to be worked out in his or her own life. Courage Be courageous. Ask Christ to distribute courage in breaking up the relationship. An individual may feel pressure to move forward towards marriage or may decide to get married out of fear of never finding another person to marry. Trust Christ’s guidance. No Follow-Up Once the relationship has been ended, do not follow-up through a phone call, e-mail, or for hanging out. Move on with life. Each individual needs to put the past behind and continue living life as normal. A superficial friendship will emerge if both individuals want to be “just friends.” Move on With Life The relationship is over. Life is not. Move on with life and persevere (Romans 5:3-5). Learn from the experience. Allow Christ to ease the pain, grow in Christ, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Get actively involved, if not already, in a Bible-believing church. Continue to build character for a future relationship. Live life for Christ (Philippians 1:21). God is working everything for the good of those that love Him (Romans 8:28). The circumstance is not greater than God. Trust God’s sovereignty, wisdom, love, and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). Do not worry about tomorrow. Just trust and obey Christ for there is no other way. God will make a way when there seems to be no other way. God’s plans and thoughts are of peace and to give an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11-12). BIBLIOGRAPHY Harris, Joshua. Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello To Courtship. Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 2000. Eagar, Rob. Dating With Pure Passion: More Than Rules, More Than Courtship, More Than a Formula. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, 2002. Ben Young, and Dr. Samuel Adams, The One: A Realistic Guide To Choosing Your Soul Mate (Nashville: Nelson Books, 2001). Neil Clark Warren, Date Or Soul Mate? How To Know If Someone Is Worth Pursuing In Two Dates Or Less (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2002). |
| Dr. Jad Khalaf |