“Should I Date a Former Cheater?"

It’s Love Month, so let’s talk about it 💘 I answered some of your biggest love questions!

Things to keep in mind when entering a relationship

**1) Know your purpose**

The intention or goal behind the relationship. It means knowing why you’re dating—whether for companionship, long-term commitment, marriage, personal growth, or simply enjoying the experience.

**2) Stay dedicated**

The idea is that if that person is considering marriage in the near future (like 3-5 years down the line), you might not be ready to actively pursue a relationship. It involves being emotionally invested, staying faithful, and working through challenges together rather than giving up when things get tough.

**3) Be prepared**

Being emotionally, mentally, and practically prepared to commit to and nurture a healthy partnership. It involves self-awareness, emotional stability, and the ability to communicate, trust, and handle conflicts maturely. Being ready also means having clarity on your values, boundaries, and relationship goals, ensuring you're not just seeking a relationship to fill a void but to build something meaningful.

**4) Validate experiences**

A wise individual shared a story about his daughters, emphasizing how they took their time to focus on education and life before diving into relationships. This illustrates the value of being in a relationship with a clear vision of long-term commitment.

**5) Have clear intentions**

The goal of entering a relationship should be to find a life partner with whom you can glorify God. If you're not yet ready to consider marriage, it's better to direct your time and energy elsewhere. Healthy intentions involve mutual respect, open communication, and alignment with each other's values and aspirations.

“Instead of focusing on a relationship, invest your time in your studies, spend quality moments with family, and dedicate energy to grow—learn more about God and discover who you truly are.”

— Joyce Pring

**6) Communicate**

Effective communication is key in any relationship because express what’s bothering you and what needs to change, and when your partner shares their concerns, listen without excuses and reflect on their words.

**7) Check your differences**

Both partners should strive toward a shared goal of nurturing their relationship while embracing personal growth with grace, humility, and God’s guidance.

**8) Know how to resolve problems lovingly**

It involves analyzing the issue, considering possible options, and choosing the best course of action to achieve a desired outcome. Solutions can be practical, emotional, logical, or creative, depending on the situation.

**9) Be geniune**

Being open, truthful, and transparent in your words and actions. It involves expressing your thoughts, feelings, and intentions sincerely without deception or hiding important details. Those words can be a **blessing rather than a cursing (JP),** when people tell how bad we are because at some point we are.

**10) Be faithful**

For someone who has cheated in the past, being faithful means working hard to rebuild trust, demonstrating reliability, and avoiding temptations or actions that might compromise the relationship's integrity. It's about creating a safe, secure, and trustworthy environment for both partners.

12) Accept

It means embracing who you truly are—flaws, strengths, past mistakes, and all—without trying to hide or deny parts of yourself. Being genuine about your feelings, needs, and boundaries in the relationship without fear of rejection or judgment.

Being honest about your feelings is crucial, even if it's uncomfortable. It's better to be straightforward now, even if it hurts someone's feelings, than to let them waste time on a relationship that won't work (JP).

Hard conversations are essential for both your growth and theirs—what might hurt in the moment will save both of you from deeper pain in the future. So, be brave enough to say, 'You're great, but you're not my type,' and move forward with clarity and respect for each other’s future.