Dating and Marriage

I think that in the future I will be looking for a blend of what was described in the New York Times article and on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops page about marriage. For me, a successful relationship would include commitment, communication, and values, but I think that the ‘self-expansion’ element is also necessary. A relationship doesn’t need to be new and exciting all of the time, but it is important to have things to talk about and learn from one another, so that you can grow together as people. I think that this aspect of ‘self-expansion’ enhances the other ingredients for a successful relationship, because it would expand your respect and appreciation for one another, and thus commitment and communication would improve as well.

I look for exactly what I described above. I want a relationship where I am loved and respected, with someone with whom I can talk intelligently but also have fun with. There would also need to be commitment, understanding, acceptance, trust, and feelings of (not constant, but just the right amount of) happiness. I think that these qualities and expectations are really common and probably a mix of modern society (the ‘self-expansion’ and fun aspects) and Christian values. In my opinion, one of the most important things is being as comfortable with this person as you are alone, and having the right balance of give and take. I can honestly say that in the future I will not be looking for a dramatic Notebook-esque love story, but someone to be boring and content with.