10 joyful musical date ideas

10 joyful musical date ideas

Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life - Christian Connection blog

Here are some musical date ideas to help you be in tune with your date!

10 joyful musical date ideas - Christian Connection blogLive performance

Nothing quite beats the experience of live music. Seeing and hearing music live is a wonderful way of sharing a date, whether you’re meeting for the first time or know each other well.

Going to a gig together takes the immediate pressure off conversation, too. Rather than shout over the music, you can listen along together and chat afterwards about what you liked – or didn’t. If there’s a singer or band you love playing locally, why not suggest going along?

Make a Playlist

A few years ago, couples who had just started dating might give each other a ‘mixtape’ so that they could listen and think of the other person and get to know the music that meant a lot in their lives. Nowadays a cassette tape may not work, but the sentiment is still there.

10 joyful musical date ideas - Christian Connection blog - make a playlistWhether it’s for an early ice breaker, or a way to get to know each other more deeply, why not create playlists for each other of your favourite songs, or songs that mean something to you or represent a significant time in your life?

It’s something you could do together, as a low cost musical date over coffee. It’s a great way to spark conversations, learn about events that happened in each other’s timelines, and expand your musical knowledge.

It’s also a wonderful introduction to new artists, a way to learn each other’s favourite genres, and open your mind to new styles.

If you’re brave – and talented – you could even record yourself or make a mixtape of you singing or playing an instrument, or even singing your own songs. Who knows after all this listening together, maybe you will be able to find a song that becomes your song as a couple, if things progress?

Share a cultural experience

Perhaps you live somewhere near a theatre or concert hall. You could watch a musical, an opera or a ballet together, and relish the beautiful music. For me, it’s the goosebumps this brings, and the way it speaks right into my soul. You might find it does something similar for you!

If you wanted an atmospheric and romantic outing, look out for candlelit concerts, which can help create an intimate experience in flickering light, where the focus is on the sound and the shared space.

10 joyful musical date ideas - Christian Connection blog - karaokeKaraoke!

You may be someone who loves a sing-song, and a karaoke night is your ideal date, be it out or at home. This can be a lot of fun and a way to get rid of any shyness to show your more playful side.

Don’t worry if you have stage fright. Lots of karaoke establishments have private rooms so you’re not singing for an audience. It can be a great stress reliever as well as a fun time together!

Sing with others

Choirs have grown in popularity in recent years. Singing in numbers is a wonderful, shared experience. I once heard that singing in a choir causes the heartbeats of the members to synchronise. Whether it’s true or not, it is a lovely notion and gives you a past time and activity to enjoy together. Singing produces endorphins and is a wonderful release.

For a fun musical date idea, look out for opportunities to join in just for a day or a single session. ‘Scratch choirs’ can offer the chance to come together for a few hours to create a performance from a group of strangers. Certainly a memorable experience – and your voice will blend in with others so you don’t need to worry about standing out!

10 joyful musical date ideas - Christian Connection blog - listening partyListening party

 If you are not musically minded, then never fear! Simpler dates using music could be that you pick your favourite movie soundtrack or album and set time aside to listen to it together purposefully, without it being background noise or having distractions.

For me I remember listening to the soundtrack from The Holiday with my now husband. Looking back now, I can remember exactly where I was during that ‘listening date’ and the music transports me back to that time and those feelings. If it’s something upbeat, you could add in some dancing!

Musical theme night

Use music to your advantage! If you have decided to cook dinner for each other, then give the extra ambience and atmosphere by choosing suitable background music to set the scene.

If you want your date to feel relaxed, romanced and wooed, then maybe find some background jazz music. Or you could theme the music to the date you are having – cooking Thai food? Then find music from Thailand to accompany it!

Worship

As your faith is a very important part of your reason for getting to know each other, explore how you can bring this into dating.

Whether you attend church together or an evening of praise and worship, or listen to a worship album or playlist, one of the most intimate ways you can use music together in dates is to worship together.

Setting aside time to spend with God together through worship is important for a healthy God-centred relationship, and bringing this into your dating lives from the start can help create a strong foundation, whether you’re listening to it or praising at the top of your voice.

10 joyful musical date ideas - Christian Connection blog - make music togetherMake Music Together

If you are musically minded, or just feeling experimental, you could write music together. You don’t have to be a professional or particularly talented – it’s the thought that counts! Be it a worship song, a fun song, a sentimental song or even write a song for each other, expressing how you feel.

This could be a fun activity or something exceptionally personal. What you might end up with is something that is unique and will last. Sometimes music speaks louder than just plain words. A song can really communicate your emotions – and who doesn’t love being serenaded!

Musical games

Have you ever been to a pub quiz? Along with general knowledge questions, many have a music round with snippets from songs or missing lyrics rounds. Some quizzes even specialise just in music.

If there isn’t one near you, this is something you could recreate. Can you work out the different theme tunes, the first few bars of a song, the movie the music is from, the jingles from certain adverts? Setting up a few music questions is interactive and varied, and a chance to show your knowledge and competitive side.

The possibilities for using music within dating are endless. Music is so eclectic, there really is something for everyone and it is something we are all able to enjoy. Picking a musical date idea will add so much to your next meet up!

What would be your favourite musical date idea?

Check out Hannah Grace’s post ‘Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life‘

Enjoyed reading about musical date ideas? We have lots more fun date ideas on the blog here.

“If music be the food of love, play on.” wrote William Shakespeare. Music has the power to be inspiring, emotive, and moving, as well as fun and cheering. Whether you’re looking for a first date with a fun soundtrack or a special outing to make memories, there are lots of enjoyable musical date ideas that can help you be in tune with each other. Music can set a scene and create memories. Music is so linked to love, the great romantics among us have even been known to serenade their potential mates! It’s a feast for the senses; listening to it can be intimate and mood changing, as well as joyful and releasing.


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Author: Hannah Grace

Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life

Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life

Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life - Christian Connection blog

It can have such a profound effect on our lives and our relationships. How can you combine music and dating?

Music can be exciting!

How many times do we get ready for a date and try to psych ourselves up with exciting music blaring out, or maybe calm, relaxing music to quench the nerves? Music can literally help us deal with nerves.

For me as a single person, dancing around and singing into a hairbrush, or hearing a piece of music with a good upbeat sound, was a great way to shake out the nerves and pump myself up, ready to potentially meet the love of my life.

Music can be calming

Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life - Christian Connection blog - worship musicListening to gentle music on the journey to a date can help calm and focus the mind. Worship music can be a good choice – directing our thoughts towards God, giving Him the glory so that He can direct your path.

Listening to worship music solo, with God making sure your heart is prepared and protected, helps to remind you that He is your focus and your number one.

Listening together, when you get to know someone on a deeper level, can help create an intimate moment between the two of you and God, putting Christ at the centre of your relationship.

Knowing that God is in control and He has the best plans for you should make you want to praise Him!

Music can create memories

Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life - Christian Connection blog - dancingMusic can help you create your own memories, songs and timeline. The song that was playing when you first met for coffee? The score of the movie you saw on your second date? The busker playing in the street when you walked and talked – or even when shared your first kiss?

Music becomes deeply personal. The further along you get with dating, the more memories and songs you will have together that mean something to you. How many couples have a song that means something to them both for their first wedding dance? Music is emotive and connects you both – it’s a moment that you share.

Whatever stage of dating you are at – whether meeting for the first time or establishing a growing connection – lock in some music that means something to you for that time. Relistening to it you will be transported back to that time and place, and all the feelings associated with it.

Music can create conversation

Music is a great conversation starter. Added to your dating profile, it can spark a fun opening message and lead into more chat.

Hannah and her husband Jonny on their wedding day

One of the questions that often gets asked on a first date is ‘what sort of music do you like?’ It’s a very personal thing. I bonded very early on with my husband, as we had very similar tastes in music (film scores and worship music!). It may be a simple question, but it could make or break a date. Quite frankly, I honestly don’t think I could be with someone who was into heavy metal, as I couldn’t bear to listen to it!

As you get to know someone, music can engage you in discussion, in hobbies, in dates, and in new experiences. Music is a great way to keep you both listening to each other and talking to each other, keeping you off the phones (unless you’re sharing a song!) and focused on the moment, and using your senses.

Music can be something we listen to in order to set a mood – to relax, or as background music to get ready for something exciting. Sometimes it is to be appreciated and given full attention to, and sometimes to sing along to!

Through music you can share your passions as you talk about your favourite artists, the latest songs, the soundtrack to a film or show, and how it made you feel. If your musical tastes aren’t the same, expect it to be lively!

God has given us music as a blessing and a gift. He created these beautiful sounds for us to enjoy and to share. We can use music for Him by worshipping, and doing that together can be a really intimate thing to do. One of the times I feel most connected with my husband is when we use music – when we worship together, (be it leading worship at church, worshipping at home or creating worship songs), or when we play our instruments together or write music. It is incredibly bonding. The world would be a much emptier place without music.

God is so good in giving us the beauty of melodies and that sensation for our ears and our hearts. Why not share it together in some way on a date to appreciate the gift God has given?

Enjoyed reading ‘Music and dating: Why music should play a part in your dating life’? Read more posts by Hannah Grace here

Have you ever tried watching a movie without the score playing? It’s empty, dry and just not the same. The sweeping violins, gentle flute and tinkling piano of a romantic film all help to create an atmosphere and take you on a journey. Music is a language in itself. It’s personal, inspiring and sentimental. It’s a wonderful time traveller, creating and sparking memories. Most importantly in dating, it’s something to bond over: music and dating go together! My husband is a musician and a talented composer – funnily enough, I fell in love with his music before I even met him on Christian Connection. He even composed a theme for me that we walked down the aisle to at our wedding. Music can add so much to your dating life!


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Top tips and lasting love stories – Our most popular blog posts of 2024

Top tips and lasting love stories – Our most popular blog posts of 2024

Most popular Christian Connection blog posts of 2024

In reverse order – drum roll – here’s what readers, daters and CC members found to be helpful suggestions and great dating advice in 2024.

James & Victoria#5 – “It just takes one” – James & Victoria, our Christian Connection story

“Once our conversation was flowing… this serious element of God, but with jokes and laughter in. It was just so nice, wasn’t it?” remembers Victoria. “I remember laughing a lot,” says James, “Laughing out loud reading messages, just sitting in my flat by myself. Getting ready for church because there was a New Year’s Eve service. And not wanting to go because I was just enjoying the conversation so much.”

Read the full article here →

• • •

Moyo & Yinka#4 – “It felt like I knew her and she knew me” – Moyo & Yinka, our Christian Connection story

“Yinka spotted Moyo first. “Moyo was really smartly dressed. And I think that was what stood out for me.” Once Moyo received her message, he was intrigued. “Yinka reach out to me first, so it was upon her message that I then checked her profile… she seemed like a very friendly and outgoing person…. she was also a Christian and a Bible believing Christian… she was beautiful individual.””

Read the full article here →

• • •

7 Fun Date Ideas That Aren't Coffee#3 – 7 fun and simple first date ideas that aren’t meeting for coffee

“Messaging has been going well. You want to meet in person and chat more. The classic first date is to ‘meet for a coffee’ – simple to arrange, public and low cost. It’s a great way to test your online connection and whether there’s more to develop without the pressure of a grand setting or long time commitment. But you still want it to go well. First impressions count! So, what could you do that’s a little more interesting than a couple of cappuccinos?”

Read the full article here →

• • •

Green Flags on a First Date#2 – First date green flags: 5 signs your first date deserves a second date

“Many of us struggle on first dates, with nerves, awkwardness, and expectations. We want to put our best foot forwards, but we may not show up as our best selves. So, take note of the green flags and, at the same time, keep an open heart and mind. Stay tuned in to your intuition and refrain from swift judgement or knee-jerk reactions. Remember that the person who is sitting opposite you or who’s walking by your side on a first date is human too.”

Read the full article here →

• • •

First date red flags#1 – First date red flags: 4 signs to watch out for

“I can think of many occasions when I spotted a red flag but ignored it or excused it with an apparently rational explanation. Why? Because I really wanted the date or relationship to work out, above all else and at any cost. I was dating with a deep craving for love, affection and connection. I had left my powers of discernment at home. I was racing towards a relationship at breakneck speed, ignoring all the STOP signs. Clearly, this didn’t turn out well.”

Read the full article here →

• • •
Which Christian Connection blogs have you found most helpful this year? What do you consider to be great dating advice? What would you like to read about in future?
From fun ideas for original first dates to encouraging stories from couples who met on Christian Connection, the CC blog contains a wealth of inspiration and practical advice for single Christians. Drawing together dating and relationship experts and wisdom from real life stories, these are the posts that have resonated with you this year.


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6 fun date ideas for embracing the great indoors!

6 fun date ideas for embracing the great indoors!

6 fun date ideas for embracing the great indoors! - Christian Connection dating advice

Here are 6 great indoor date ideas.

Play your cards right at a board game cafe

Very little can be as comforting as taking the board and pieces from a box and settling down to play a board game. Who hasn’t kept a favourite from childhood stashed away at home! Board game cafes cater to that sense of nostalgia in a cosy, public setting – but the games on offer have come a long way from that old favourite Monopoly!

At cafes dedicated to board games you’ll find quick and silly games that may be very familiar, like retro favourites Hungry Hungry Hippos and Operation, as well as classics like Settlers of Catan, and many games you might never have heard of.

You could engage in some amiable rivalry or pick a game specially designed for teamwork. Whatever you choose, a gaming date will give you plenty of time to chat and learn about each other as you study strategy and find out whether your partner is competitive or cooperative, or a perfect blend of both.

6 fun date ideas for embracing the great indoors! - Couple bakingMake it a showstopper date with a bake off

Whether you’re a whizz in the kitchen or more of a sunken souffle, choosing a baking class date can make sure no one has a soggy bottom! Look for baking classes in your area if you and your date are fans of culinary pursuits – or just like baked goods…

Lots of artisan bakeries offer classes in everything from bread making to biscuit decorating, usually in small, intimate groups. It doesn’t matter if your efforts are creative or catastrophic, the teacher will make sure you have something warm and tasty to take away.
For a date that combines comfort, collaboration and a little indulgence in a cosy kitchen setting, it’s time to get set: bake!

Be on the ball with mini golf

Joining the list of outdoor sports popping up in indoor settings is the ever-popular mini golf. Many towns and cities now offer their own indoor golf courses, often with quirky themes (or theme nights!).

If you’re the sporty type but the weather isn’t playing ball, or you’re just looking for a unique date idea and think trying to score a hole in one without knocking out the teeth of a giant clown sounds like fun, mini golf could be the date for you.

No one takes mini golf too seriously, so the real goal is just to enjoy each other’s company, and have a laugh along the way. The compact courses means you’ll never be too far away to chat. Most indoor golf locations also offer food options, so you can grab a cosy bite together afterwards as you analyse your performance.

6 fun date ideas for embracing the great indoors! Indoor skatingGlide along at a skating rink

Ice skating might sound more cold than cosy, but wrapping up warm and visiting an indoor ice rink can be the perfect romantic option for a date indoors. Gliding across the ice glove in glove, trying to keep your balance (or perhaps heroically saving your partner from a fall) are the stuff that meet-cutes are made of. Many ice rinks offer evening skates with twinkling lights and music that adds to the atmosphere.

After you step off the ice you’ll have more than earned a hot chocolate, which is a great excuse to extend the date and stop at a cafe to warm up together.

Get closer at an escape room

Cosy dates don’t need to be low adrenaline. For those who love a challenge, but don’t want to compete against each other, getting together to take on an escape room could be a perfect date. You’ll find escape rooms to suit every taste, so whether you lean more Sherlock Holmes or James Bond there will be something for everyone.

Working together to solve puzzles, find clues and beat the clock will help you and your date get to know each other in record time, and you’ll feel you’ve accomplished something together when you find the solution and beat the room. It’s not the cosiest date on our list, but there’s something very warming about that sense of satisfaction!

Take the traditional route

It might be obvious, but the classic dinner date can be hard to beat for a cosy indoor setting. From an inviting Italian Trattoria to a rustic French bistro, look for something that matches both your tastes. Choose a restaurant with warm lighting and equally warming dishes on the menu, and ask for a spot away from the hustle and bustle so that you can relax, unwind, and focus on connecting.

Whatever indoor date idea you opt for, you’ll find opportunities to focus on and get to know each other in a comfortable, compact setting. There’s something for everyone, so why not ask the person you’re getting to know which they’d choose, and then work on making it happen, together?

What are your favourite indoor date ideas?

Find more inspiration for fun dates here

Whether the weather is making you wish for a date that doesn’t go outside or you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve a lot of travel, you might be wondering whether to choose an indoor location for your next date – and one that isn’t just your local coffee shop. While we’ve got plenty of date ideas for those who like to escape into the great outdoors, here are some suggestions for those who like their dates to be more hygge than a hike!


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“Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God’s grace” – Christian Connection couples share their stories

“Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God’s grace” – Christian Connection couples share their stories

"Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God's grace" - Christian Connection couples share their stories - Amy and Andrew's wedding

Here are some of the stories recently shared with Christian Connection from couples who #MetOnCC. Which stories have you found most inspiring?

"Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God's grace" - Christian Connection couples share their stories - Amy and AndrewAmy and Andrew

“Andrew and I met on Christian Connection back in 2018. We hit it off really quickly with long messages backwards and forwards and videos calls that went on into the night. After 3 years of long distance, Covid and some health scares I decided to move to Lincoln to be nearer Andrew and make it easier for us to be together.

We got engaged in July 2022 and married in March 2024. Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God’s grace over our lives with many years of patience, trust and love.”

Deanna and Washington

"Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God's grace" - Christian Connection couples share their stories - Deanna and Washington“Our love story! First off, I want to thank God for this union. God builds everything for a believer on principles, God builds his kingdom on principles. The more principles you learn from the word of God the less you have to pray about what to do. Principles simplify your life. Your list factors in what you want – God’s list factors in what you need. Washington and I wanted a kingdom marriage this is our second time around and wanted to do things the right way/God’s way! When you get out of your own way and let God be God, things will happen.

When both parties are intentional and work to please each other a healthy relationship evolves. A healthy relationship is a joyful bond/connection, a mutual affection, respect and commitment where two souls merge together, thrive, and flourish alongside each other. With shared experiences combined with open communication, support, and unity. That’s what we have: Creating our love song!! We got married in April 2024.”

Martine and Rob

"Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God's grace" - Christian Connection couples share their stories - Martine and Rob“Rob and I met in October 2018 after having exchanged a few messages through Christian Connection. We met for our first date in York as I lived in Nottingham and he lived in Durham. We both like to cycle so our first date was a 30 miles bike ride in the area around York. We stopped for lunch and tea and cake, of course. That first date was a lot of fun.

We visited each other after that in our respective places and when the pandemic hit we “bubbled” up together.

Rob proposed to me in December 2021 on top of Blencathra, a hill in the Lake District in the snow, after an exhilarating climb!

We got married in April 2022 and Rob has moved to Nottingham. We are both involved in our Baptist church as well as enjoying visiting friends and family and we go on cycling and walking holidays. We are both very grateful to have met thanks to being on Christian Connection.”

"Our wedding was a beautiful day full of joy, blessings and God's grace" - Christian Connection couples share their stories - Graham and Melinda's weddingGraham and Melinda

“Graham and I met on CC in August last year. By the third date we both knew there was an entwining of our hearts happening. Graham asked me to marry him after 2 months.

We had the most beautiful romantic wedding in January this year and for us, we will always be on honeymoon together. We thank God for bringing us together.”

 

Watch James and Victoria and many more #MetOnCC couples in their own words on the Christian Connection YouTube channel

 

Encouraged by these #MetOnCC stories? Read lots more on the website here, or watch couples tell their stories on the Christian Connection YouTube channel. 

 

“I have now been happily married for 10 years with the first man I met on Christian Connection. It was obviously meant to be,” wrote Roz, as she shared the story of how she met her husband Kelvin and their life together since they first connected. We know that single Christians who join CC are looking for someone who shares their faith and values, that will give them a strong foundation to build a lasting relationship. Their stories and experiences are full of tried and tested guidance for making connections that go the distance – each one starting with being brave and becoming a member!


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Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress

Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress

Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress - Christian Connection dating advice

I remember when I thought I had to be totally sorted psychologically before I could date. I’d already been investing in my personal development for years, but I had so much more inner work to do. In my mind, I wasn’t ready to seek a relationship.

Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress - Christian Connection blogI understand now that my fear of love and intimacy led me to put my life on hold in this way. Waiting to be perfectly healed meant I could kick this fear into the long grass and never have to face it.

Finally, I understood that the key was progress, not perfection.

I also understood that hurt happens in relationship and healing happens in relationship too and that the process of dating and exploring relationships would bring priceless learning and growth opportunities that I couldn’t get from reading books, attending courses or sitting in therapy sessions.

I had to be in it to win it. I had to get into the muddle of life and of love, be open to making mistakes and to learning by doing.

If you recognise that you are putting your love life on hold while waiting for a fantasy future to arrive, here are three questions to ask yourself.

Are your healthy foundations for love in place?

There are some legitimate reasons to delay or pause dating and one is to do the groundwork we all need to do to protect our hearts, protect others, enjoy dating and date successfully.

I call this laying our healthy foundations for love.

Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress - Christian Connection blogThese foundations include a healthy relationship with ourselves, based on self-care and self-love; a strong spiritual connection so that we feel loved, held and supported by God, no matter the outcome of our dating experiences; and a healthy dose of self-worth, self-respect and self-esteem, so that we attract emotionally available people and sidestep those who aren’t prepared to treat us right.

On top of this base layer, we add self-awareness. Do we understand our dating and relationship patterns and the roots of those patterns? Do we know our blind spots? And do we have people around us who can support us to see and transform our patterns?

The process of laying our foundations is a lifelong journey. We are always growing and developing. We’ll never reach perfection. But a solid foundation will help us to withstand knocks and storms. We’ll be able to date without getting too hurt or hurting others and, step by step, we’ll move towards a healthy, committed partnership.

Once these foundations are in place, however, we are ready to roll. If we’re delaying dating, looking for excuses or trying to attain perfection in other areas (appearance, career, timing and so forth), it’s worth asking if fear is blocking us.

Are you in a positive headspace?

“I was in the right headspace” is a phrase that unites the people I know who’ve met partners online and who’ve gone on to have healthy relationships. They now see the difference between dating with a negative mindset – when online dating feels like walking through treacle – and dating with hope, optimism and a spring in their step. The results are radically different.

If you are in a negative headspace, this is a good reason to pause the dating process and take a break. Have some fun in the real world, meet your friends, try a new hobby, invest in activities that make your eyes shine and your heart sing. You can come back to online dating when you’re feeling more upbeat. You may also want to gather more support around you so that you don’t feel so alone when dating.

Are you ready to accept your imperfections and embrace someone else’s?

Whether it’s our weight, size, shape, personality, bank balance or something else, we are all perfectly imperfect beings. If we expect ourselves to be free of all flaws, we’ll expect the same of our partners.

Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress - Christian Connection blogWe’ll notice if they’re carrying a few extra pounds, if their teeth are crooked, their career is plateauing or their fitness is flagging and we’ll judge them, and maybe dismiss them, for these imperfections. I did this with my now-husband, forgetting that I was an imperfect human being too. I was looking for someone to love and accept me while failing to love and accept another person. That was never going to work.

Judgement, criticism and fault-finding create distance between us and the other person – and it’s very difficult for an authentic connection to form over this gap. For me, judging the other was a way of avoiding intimacy.

I first had to learn to love and accept myself, all parts of me, so that I could see beneath the surface of my partner and love and accept all of him.

If you answer ‘Yes’ to these three questions, you are ready to date, as messily as the rest of us. If you still need to grow your self-esteem, get yourself into a better headspace or accept yourself on a deeper level, the best time to start is now.

Either way, enjoy the journey and remember it’s about progress, not perfection.

What have you found helpful when contemplating imperfect dating?

Enjoyed reading ‘Embrace imperfect dating! How to date as a work in progress’? Read more by Katherine Baldwin here

“I’ll start dating when I’m the perfect weight or shape, or when I’ve landed my ideal job, or when I’m perfectly healed emotionally.” If this sounds familiar and you’re delaying dating until you’re in a ‘perfect’ space, it might be time to let go of the fantasy of perfection and embrace progress instead. If you need some encouragement to get started, here’s a checklist that will give you the confidence and the motivation to let go of the ideal and embrace imperfect dating.


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Author: Katherine Baldwin

8 great tips for staying spiritually full while single and dating

8 great tips for staying spiritually full while single and dating

8 great tips for staying spiritually full while single and dating - Christian Connection dating advice

Here are eight things that can help with staying spiritually full whilst single and dating:

8 great tips for staying spiritually full while single and dating - Christian Connection blogPrayer

The Bible tells us to pray about everything (Philippians 4:6) and to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). This means we should be praying about our dating life as well! If you want to stay spiritually full whilst single and dating, don’t neglect your prayer life. You can pray about who to meet, what you should do on dates, and ultimately for guidance on whether someone is the right person for you. If you’re yet to meet someone, maintaining a healthy prayer life also helps you to stay content and allows you to hear God more clearly as He speaks to you about your life and future.

Bible reading

Speaking about hearing God clearly, one of the main ways God speaks to us is through His word, the Bible. The Bible is not just a book of nice stories but can be seen as God’s love letter to His children. It gives us guidance on how to live our lives, individually, and in relationship with others. We can find encouragement for when we feel weak, and comfort in our trials. If you’re feeling spiritually dry, try to incorporate Bible reading into your daily routine.

8 great tips for staying spiritually full while single and dating - Christian Connection blogJournaling

As you sense God speaking to you through prayer and Bible reading, you might want to write down what you feel He is saying to you in this season of your life- a particular Bible verse that you find encouraging, that you want to remember, or even just how you’re feeling currently. Writing down your thoughts- whether positive or negative- can be a great way to unburden oneself, and as you write them down, you can also commit them to God in prayer- He wants us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

Listening to Christian music and worshipping

Listening to Christian music can help to keep us spiritually full. The lyrics of most Christian songs focus on who God is, His goodness, greatness and faithfulness. As you listen and worship God with singing, it can help focus your mind on Him and draw you closer to Him.

Support from Christian friends and church family

We were never meant to be an island as human beings, and definitely not as Christians. Being part of a church family is crucial for our Christian walk- you can receive encouragement when you’re down, and just being around people with a similar spiritual mindset will give you that spiritual top up we all need every so often.

8 great tips for staying spiritually full while single and dating - Christian Connection blogMeeting other Christian singles

Like spending time with Church family and friends, meeting other Christian singles can help keep you spiritually full – they have a similar mindset as you, but they have the bonus of knowing what you’re going through as a single person. Hanging out with other Christian singles can be encouraging- apart from the fact that you might get to meet someone special, it can be spiritually uplifting just to know that you’re not alone.

You could look at expanding your circles through the Single Friendly Church Network, or joining a Christian Connection meetup.

Balancing dating with other things in life

Dating can take up a lot of time, and whilst it’s important to give it the attention and time it needs, it is also important to balance it with other things in life. Like, making time for friends and family, your own hobbies and other interests. In other words, your dating life shouldn’t be your whole life. Life is meant to be lived to the full, and giving other areas of your life the attention they need is also a way to top up your spiritual tank.

Pursuing your passions and doing whatever God has called you to do

We all have specific things that we enjoy, but beyond that, things that we were created to do. One way to keep spiritually full is to make sure that you are pursuing your passions and spending time doing whatever it is God created you to do. Doing this can give a sense of fulfilment and purpose that makes up for some of those days when you might be feeling a bit low.

There are many ways to keep spiritually full when single and dating, with prayer, Bible reading, and spending time with Christian friends being just a few of them. Whilst the single life can come with its challenges, staying spiritually full doesn’t have to be one of them if you incorporate some of these habits into your life.

What have you found helps with staying spiritually full?

Read more by Urenna Kiwanuka here

Staying spiritually full can be challenging when you’re single. Dating itself can be full on, and whilst you’re busy planning dates and organising meet ups, it can be difficult sometimes to stay on track with your spiritual walk. Seeing friends and others couple up and get married can stir up unwanted feelings and emotions which if dwelled upon, can impact one’s spiritual life negatively. So, what can you do?


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6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating

6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating

6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating - Christian Connection dating advice

Here are just a few of important life skills you’re developing as you date.

Enhanced listening and communication skills

If you want to get to know people, you have to talk to them (who would’ve thought?) It follows that the more people you meet whilst dating, the better your listening skills become. Making small talk can be difficult to start with, but gradually, this leads to proper conversations and that’s how you get to know someone. So, stick at it!

6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating - Christian Connection dating advicePlanning and organising

Dating can help your organisational skills, believe it or not! You might have a very busy schedule but if you’re serious about meeting new people, or to put it more directly, meeting that special person, you will make time for it in your diary. It might mean moving things around, arranging cover and childcare if you’re a parent, or even cancelling one or two not-so-important appointments, but you will need to find a suitable slot in your calendar to make time for your dates. Getting ready for those dates and even thinking about what to do on them will also require some planning and time management skills.

Creativity

Speaking of date ideas, dating helps the creative juices to flow. Unless you want to do the same activity repeatedly, dating allows you to think up new and fun ways to hang out. From picnics to walks to visiting galleries to going to the cinema, date ideas are numerous and you can even think up something a bit more unusual but surprisingly fun! And, if you need a bit of help, you can use your research skills too! The Christian Connection blog has lots of date ideas to explore.

6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating - Christian Connection dating adviceDiscernment

The fairytales tell us that to meet your prince you might have to kiss a few frogs. I’m not sure about that, but I do know that the more people you date, the more you get to know what you like and what you don’t. And the easier it is for you to just know when something isn’t going to work, or someone just isn’t for you. It could be the way they respond to a question you ask, something they’ve done, or even just an offhand comment made. The experience of dating can improve your discernment skills if you let it.

Social skills

Dating helps improve your social skills. First, the fact that you’re dating means that you’re getting to meet new people. This involves communicating with them and getting to know them, doing activities together, getting to know their likes and dislikes, and generally just being around each other.

Your social skills also improve as you get to meet the people that are important to the person you’re dating. These might be family members or close friends, people from different walks of life; they may be older or younger than you, with completely different interests, but the fact that they are important to the person you’re dating means that you also apply your social skills to get to know them.

6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating - Christian Connection dating adviceSelf-awareness

Dating helps you to become more self-aware. By the time you’ve dated a couple of people you get a clearer idea of what you like and don’t like, the negotiables and non-negotiables, but also, how you come across to people. This is important because knowing what you like and don’t like can save both yourself and others, time. Being self-aware also means you become aware of how you come across to others. If a relationship didn’t work out with someone, taking some time to reflect can help you figure out where you might need to adjust or do things differently next time.

These are just some of the life skills that dating can help you develop, and I would argue that they are important, not just for dating but for life in general.

What life skills have you developed through dating?

Enjoyed reading ‘6 important life skills you’re secretly developing while dating’? Read more by Urenna Kiwanuka here

Perhaps you’ve been on the dating journey for a while and you’re thinking, “What has dating ever done for me?” Don’t give up just yet! You may not have found ‘the one’ so far, but did you know that there are many skills you can develop during the dating process? You may not have thought about it like that, but even if your journey hasn’t connected you with the perfect person just yet, you are developing life skills that will benefit you, both inside and outside of the dating world.


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Love has no age limit: The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Love has no age limit: The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Love has no age limit: The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Older daters are not only welcome on Christian Connection, they’re a vital part of our community, bringing valuable experience and unique perspectives to their dating journeys. And it’s certainly never too late to find love – as the age at which people marry continues to rise overall, reports show that marriage rates for the over 60s have been increasing too and we’ve heard from couples meeting on Christian Connection in their eighties!

Here are our top five online dating tips for mature daters, including some advice from older couples who found each other on Christian Connection.

Don’t be daunted by technology

Even for confirmed technophobes, creating a profile on Christian Connection is simple to do. We have apps for iPhone or Android as well as our website at www.christianconnection.com, so it’s never been easier to find love online.

Christine and Richard's wedding - The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Christine and Richard

When you sign up, we’ll ask you for some basic information to start with. Don’t worry about perfecting your profile right away, as you can always update this later. Read some of our top tips on creating your profile here. Add a favourite recent photo of yourself that you feel represents you well – it can be helpful to ask for a second opinion from someone you trust or even ask them to take a pic or two – and you’re ready to go! Read our advice on what makes a great photo here.

Many of our members of all ages let us know how online dating has led them to partners they would otherwise never have met, and helped them keep in touch while apart. Although Christine and Richard met during the pandemic, their relationship flourished online during lockdowns. As Richard says: “We are both in our early seventies so it proves that this site can be suitable for every age group.” Read Christine and Richard’s story here.

Share your unique story

Gillian and John's wedding - The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Gillian and John

Everyone has a story to tell, and those dating later in life often have a wealth of experiences and wisdom to share. On Christian Connection our profiles allow plenty of space for you to let everyone know what makes you unique!

Couples who met on Christian Connection often tell us that what their partner wrote about themselves drew their attention. When John met Gillian, her profile caught his eye: “In it she had shared what seemed to be a very full, active and interesting life. What, however, impacted me most was her commitment to Christ and her involvement in Christian ministry.” Read Gillian and John’s story here.

Online dating platforms like Christian Connection offer a safe and supportive environment to be yourself when finding a partner. Take the time to create a genuine profile that reflects your personality, interests, and faith, and you’re sure to find common ground. Read more about why you can trust Christian Connection here.

Be brave and reach out to others

The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater - Moira and William's wedding

Moira and William

When it comes to online dating, there are no rules about who should message first! If you spot someone you think you’d like to get to know, there are several simple ways you can make contact. You can ‘wave’ at their profile, ‘like’ them, or post a ‘reaction’ to something they’ve written or a photo. (Read about how ‘reactions’ work here.) Or (best of all) send a message and say hello!

There’s no need to be nervous about contacting someone new. A short message mentioning something you liked about the other person’s profile or asking a friendly question is all you need. Read our guide to writing great messages here.

Just before Moira met William on Christian Connection, she was almost ready to close her account. Sending one more wave changed everything! “Something made me scroll one last time to look at photographs of individuals new to the site. That was when I first saw William… and felt instantly that he was a person I could relate to so I waved immediately.” Read Moira and William’s story here.

Take all the time you need

Anna and Richard - The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Anna and Richard

Finding love can’t be rushed! Take the time to get to know your potential partner and allow the relationship to develop naturally as you become comfortable with each other. Christian Connection subscribers can chat via our online mailbox for as long as feels comfortable, or even have a video call via the site.

Our members Anna and Richard weren’t able to meet for 6 weeks after they met on Christian Connection, due to distance (and a cyclone!) but Anna shares how they stayed connected and built their friendship in that time: “We found we were very much on the same spiritual wavelength, and shared interests in other areas as well. We continued to build friendship, mostly by phone, and taking turns travelling to spend time together.” Read Anna and Richard’s story here.

There’s no set time frame when it comes to online dating, but when you feel ready to meet, set a date somewhere you’re both comfortable with and take the plunge! We have lots of date ideas to help you have a fun and memorable time.

Embrace the unexpected, and keep the faith.

Online dating in later life can feel like starting a brand new adventure, and as with any adventure there may be unexpected twists and turns. On Christian Connection, we think the best approach is to leave yourself open to being surprised.

That may mean connecting with someone who lives further away than is ideal, as in Anna and Richard’s story. It might mean connecting with someone who has different hobbies or interests, and finding out you enjoy them too. It might even mean making changes to your life that you never thought possible.

Jeannie and Martin - The Christian Connection guide to meeting online as a mature dater

Jeannie and Martin

When Jeannie and Martin connected, they started a whirlwind romance that included international flights and eight-hour car journeys! After they married, they found an even bigger adventure lay in store for them: “Being in our 60s, we joked that had we met earlier we might have had children and brought them up perfectly. Well, God has a sense of humour: three years later, we now have three children! …foster children (something neither of us had ever contemplated). Three boys help to keep us young, with no fear of getting bored during our retirement. So persevere: you never know what God may have in store for you…” Read Jeannie and Martin’s story here.

We think Jeannie and Martin said it perfectly. It’s never too late to start something new, and it’s never too late to find love. Being an older dater can change everything. Why not find out if Christian Connection could open the door to your next big adventure?

What advice would you give an older or mature dater?

One question the Christian Connection team is often asked is: “I’m an older person. Is online dating really for me?” The answer to that is a resounding yes! More and more mature daters are getting online to connect with potential new partners, using technology to make lasting connections. If you’re thinking about trying out online dating at a later stage of your life, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.


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6 important ways to show honour in dating

6 important ways to show honour in dating

Let’s look at some simple but important ways to honour one another when dating.

Respect

First of all, we honour each other when we treat each other with respect. Respect in a dating relationship can look like respecting boundaries: moving at the pace of the other person, not forcing oneself or opinions on the other, not doing things that the other person clearly doesn’t like or is uncomfortable with, not taking the other person for granted, not assuming what the other person likes or doesn’t like, but asking them, and treating them with courtesy.

In practical terms it can mean responding to messages on time, being on time for dates, speaking to them in a kind and caring manner rather than a derogatory one. When we respect each other in a dating relationship, it shows that we see the other person as someone of value, and someone that is created in the image of God, and therefore, worthy of being treated right.

It also sets a great foundation for a future marriage. And even if the relationship doesn’t end in marriage, it leaves both parties feeling positive about the relationship after it ends.

Do unto others

6 important ways to show honour in dating - Christian Connection dating adviceThe Bible also says that we should do to others what we would have them do to us. This is the Golden rule – treat each person how you would like to be treated. You could argue that if you apply the Golden rule in every situation when dating, you can’t go wrong.

An example of treating each other how you would like to be treated is being open and honest with the other person. This means choosing not to play games or string the other person along but being honest about how you feel especially if the relationship is not working for you. It may be hard to let someone know that it’s not working out especially if they don’t feel the same way, but honestly is the best policy and they would look back in future and be grateful that you were honest with them, instead of stringing them along and wasting their time.

Authenticity

Honesty and authenticity are crucial for any relationship. Showing up as your true self with no pretences is another way that you can honour the person you’re in a relationship with. When dating we naturally want to be on our best behaviour, and it can be tempting to try to be what you think the other person likes. But, this doesn’t serve either of you, and it is hard work! It is much better to be yourself and know that the other person likes you for who you are.

Confidentiality

6 important ways to show honour in dating - Christian Connection dating adviceAnother way we can honour one another in a dating relationship is by maintaining the confidentiality of the relationship. Whilst it can be helpful to discuss certain aspects of your relationship with a trusted party, sharing every bit of information about your relationship dishonours the other person. This is especially true if you’re sharing things that they might have shared with you in confidence. Protecting the privacy of your relationship when dating will stand you in good stead when you go through rough patches in future, for example, in marriage.

If your partner offends you or you learn things that don’t portray them in the best light, instead of running to tell an outside party, choosing to work things out together shows that you value and respect your partner, thereby honouring them. Of course, if the person you’re dating is not respectful towards you and there are signs of concerning behaviour, don’t accept this as normal and carry on. Honour yourself and seek help outside of the relationship.

Honouring speech

Speaking well of our relationship (in a truthful way) is another way that we honour each other. No one is perfect, of course, but it is important that we talk about our partners in a way that is respectful, loving and kind. It can be tempting to join in negative talk, especially if you’re talking with people, or someone else that is complaining about their own relationship. Whilst there might be things that could be improved in your relationship, choosing to focus on the positive aspects and the good qualities of your partner is a way to honour them and your relationship.

Love languages

Lastly, learning your partner’s love language is a great way to honour them. Whether it’s acts of service, gifts, or words of affirmation, we all have different ways that make us feel loved. So, paying attention to what your partner’s love language is, and acting on it is a way to honour them, and show them that you truly care.

Honouring one another when dating shows that we care about the other person, and we value them. Treating them with respect, speaking well of them, maintaining their privacy and speaking their love language are all ways that we honour one another in a relationship.

What is the most important way you’ve found to show honour in dating?

If you’ve enjoyed ‘6 important ways to show honour in dating’, you might like ‘How to transition from meeting to dating to a healthy relationship‘ and ‘3 simple ways to be a blessing as you date‘

In Romans 12 verse 10, the Bible says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves”. Paul was talking to the church in Rome, but this also applies to us as Christians, and I believe can also be applied to dating relationships. The word ‘honour’ means to hold in high respect, or with great esteem. It might sound like something we reserve only for God (whom we should of course, honour), our parents or spiritual leaders. But we can see from Paul’s letter that it is meant for the rest of us as well. So, how do we show honour in dating?


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