Okay, ladies, we get it - you are overwhelmed. You just came from a high school, where there were few options when it came to boys, and just stepped on a campus that's a sea of attractive guys who hold the door for you, take your plate, and, best of all, LOVE JESUS. It's only normal to be at least a little dazzled. However, there are serious dangers in putting complete focus in getting a ring by spring, and here are just a few tips to avoid them.
1. Don't Rush Things
We literally just got here. There may be such thing as love at first sight, but there is no such thing as "he's attractive at first sight." Most people say you find your spouse when you get to college, which definitely puts the pressure on. However, as freshmen, we have four years to find "the one." Also, who's to say you don't find your spouse after college? Do yourself a favor and release the pressure; you have time.
2. Don't Let Boys Be Your Sole Focus
Finding a husband is a big deal, but for now it is important to focus on your school work. It can be hard trying to get your homework done in the library when you are staring into the eyes of Mr. Dreamy a seat away from you. Yes, we are at college to build relationships and have a good time, but the main purpose of college is academics. Most importantly, we have to make sure we are putting God first above all else. As my wise roommate says, we need to "FOTL," aka "Focus on The Lord." When we put our focus on the Lord, He will bring along the right guy in His perfect timing.
3. Don't Date Just to Date
This one is especially for those ladies who have never dated before. Sometimes we feel we have to date someone just to say, "I've dated someone before." We tend to forget that the main purpose of dating is trying to find someone who would make a good spouse. Why date someone if you don't think they would make a good husband someday? Take your time to get to know someone before you enter a committed relationship. Remember to date with good intentions.
4. Breaking Up Is Okay
I know it may sound hard to believe, but God can use our breakups to help us learn more about ourselves and even to lead us to the right guy. Breakups can show us what qualities are red flags in a person and what qualities we should be looking for. No guy is perfect except the guy that died on the cross for your sins years back, but if you see qualities in the one you are dating that look like red flags, get out of the relationship. You don't want to spend the rest of your life with someone you have a hard time dating; try living with them!
5. Pray For A Good Husband
I know you probably hear this a lot, but this is probably the best advice you can hear. No matter what age you are, it is always a good idea to start asking God to prepare someone for you who is going to put you before himself and, most importantly, put God before himself. Pray that God will point you to the right guy whom you can grow old with and who will ultimately make you a better person.
