Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
Seven years ago, I published a post called Are You Ready for a Romantic Relationship? right before Valentine’s Day. In that post, I shared a few indicators that someone might not be ready for a romantic relationship. But honestly, I didn’t focus enough on the most obvious (and significant) indicator that someone isn’t ready for a romantic relationship, so I'll do that in this post. Consider it a very delayed sequel.
I don't have a problem with single girls hanging out with fellow single girls on Valentine's Day. In fact, that can be a great way to spend the holiday! I just have a problem with the message of Galentine's Day, which is this: You don't need a guy; you just need your gal pals. (Hence the name Galentine's Day—emphasis on gal).
I wish I could tell you that this Valentine’s Day is special because I finally met The One, but this Valentine’s Day is no different than last Valentine’s Day. Instead of being curled up on the couch with a handsome Christian man wearing a navy pullover sweater and an almost mischievous side smile, I’m writing yet another blog post about singleness. “An Honest Confession on Valentine’s Day” seemed like the only appropriate title for a post about the major gap between where I am and where I want to be this Valentine’s Day.
Perhaps I enjoy Hallmark movies so much because of my increasing age and loneliness. Or maybe I enjoy them because of my desperation for clean romantic movies in a sea of sex-saturated romance movies—or just desperation in general.
Even though I haven’t seen that many Hallmark movies, I’ve seen enough to know what all the endings will be: happily ever after. Honestly, Hallmark, you deceive so many women with your cookie-cutter romances. These five false expectations that you've given us are particularly to blame.
While it's unwise to dwell on the pain of loneliness (especially because we're not actually alone), it's good to recognize that it's not sinful to feel lonely. Loneliness is simply part of being human. You’re not the only one who feels lonely during this season of singleness. I hope that this poem resonates with you and gives you the strength to press on and keep waiting.
I realize that Valentine’s Day is over, but that doesn’t mean that our feelings of loneliness are gone. If you’re single, you may be especially depressed this time of year. The good news is that you don’t have to be depressed. Even if you’re still single, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re loved immeasurably by Christ.
On the other hand, even though singleness is very common for young adults, that doesn’t make singleness easy. In fact, it can be a very worry-filled season of life. Perhaps you can relate to at least one of the three big fears singles have.
Sure, I’ll admit that I’m aware of my singleness most of the time. I’m not married, dating, or even considering starting a romantic relationship. To be honest, even if a great guy was interested in me, I wouldn’t be ready to start dating. I’m simply not at that place yet.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 