Intentional Dating: Relationship Goals for Christians

You Before Me | Prof. Tim O'Malley

We’ve all heard that love is compromise. But is that the real solution to a successful relationship? When it comes to sacrificing for the sake of another, how do you put someone else first without compromising your own values? Notre Dame professor Tim O’Malley shares insights from the issues his students face in young love, and how those struggles translate to universal questions of sacrifice, true friendship, and happiness. Putting someone else first does mean holding a debt over their head. Sacrificing your own desires does not mean tricking yourself into thinking you’re happy for the sake of some apparent virtue. To discern between the nuances of commitment and true cooperation in relationship, intentionality and communication are key. Tune in to learn how to obtain self-awareness that leads to awareness of another person’s needs, and what key ingredient is the foundation of all true love. Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ [https://www.sacredspark.app/] https://www.familytheater.org/ [https://www.familytheater.org/] Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt. Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt. Theme composed by Adam Jones.

Are We/Aren't We? | Connor McLaughlin

Dating with intention includes being clear about who you are to another person. The notion of a “situationship” undermines this clarity, causing confusion about what the nature of a relationship really is. On this episode of Intentional Dating, Connor McLaughlin explains the importance of putting a label on the relationship and what question immediately clears up the uncertainty of a situationship. When you don’t know what you are to someone, you don’t know how to love them or receive love. This uncertainty is part of why an undefined relationship is so harmful. But what if you try to define your relationship with somebody, and it brings it to an end? It turns out, that may ultimately be for your benefit and what you need to proceed with confidence and intentionality. Start something good with our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ [https://www.sacredspark.app/] More from Connor: https://practicalsainthood.com/ [https://practicalsainthood.com/] https://www.familytheater.org/ [https://www.familytheater.org/] Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt. Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt. Theme composed by Adam Jones.

Pornography | Michael Gasparro

Pornography has heavily impacted men and women and how we view relationships. While it is necessary to address, the shame surrounding the topic makes it hard to talk about. On this episode of Intentional Dating, therapist Michael Gasparro dives into the psychology behind porn use and how we can fight the negative consequences it has on our dating lives. Beyond labeling porn as detrimental, Michael explains what is fails to achieve and why it’s important to work through this harmful tendency or addiction. We don’t have to be trapped by the guilt of porn use; rather, it’s more helpful to try to understand why we’re attracted to certain things and how to redirect those attractions. Start dating differently with SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ [https://www.sacredspark.app/] Michael's website: https://michaelgasparro.com/ [https://michaelgasparro.com/] Ethos National: https://www.ethosnational.org/ [https://www.ethosnational.org/] Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt. Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt. Theme composed by Adam Jones.

Digital Body Language | Sean Afable and Naomi Leanage

An unprecedented amount of people are meeting online, meaning many first impressions are made on social media or an app. In the age of online dating, what’s the right posture to have towards this culture, and how do we make a good first impression and conduct ourselves online? Actor Sean Afable and content creator Naomi Leanage discuss their personal red flags, green flags, and what they perceive to make a good first impression. While online profiles paint one picture, we’re ultimately preparing for a good in-person impression. A smile may go further than you think in making you approachable. How you dress for your friends may mean something totally different to someone of the opposite sex. And what’s up with guys with fish in their dating profiles? All that and more on this episode of “Intentional Dating.” Sponsored by SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ [https://www.sacredspark.app/] Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt. Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt. Theme composed by Adam Jones. https://www.familytheater.org/ [https://www.familytheater.org/]

Loud Looking: Knowing What You Want (And Don't Want) | Clare McCallan

You’re a few dates in, and something inevitably comes up that is a non-negotiable for you. How do you avoid wasting each other’s time? Clare McCallan weighs in on the concept of “loud looking” and whether it’s a tool that can respect each other’s expectations and boundaries, or too intense of an approach for a first date. Loud looking, the practice of being upfront about your desirables and non-negotiables, has become more popular as people become more serious about intentional dating. But does this approach just turn dating into a job interview? Can you be forward about your values and morality without ruining your chances with a potential partner? Tune in to hear different takes on this modern dating trend. Check out our sponsor, SacredSpark: https://www.sacredspark.app/ [https://www.sacredspark.app/] More on Clare: http://www.claremccallan.com/#/ [http://www.claremccallan.com/#/] Produced by Patrick Lehe and Alan Hewitt. Executive produced by David L. Guffey and Don Burt. Theme composed by Adam Jones. https://www.familytheater.org/ [https://www.familytheater.org/]