What do you think were the top relationship mistakes my readers reported making?
Think about that question for a moment. Maybe even ask yourself what YOUR biggest relationship mistake has been?
At the beginning of each year, I pose this important question to my blog readers for a chance to reflect on the relationship mistakes of the past, and set goals for the future.
Here’s a countdown to the TOP 5 relationship mistakes reported from the least reported to the greatest:
#5: Having Sex Prematurely
#4: Settling for a Wrong Relationship
#3: Not Having Enough Boundaries
#2: Staying in a One-Sided Relationship
#1: Not Taking A Risk to Start One
Wait a second. What?!? Did you catch the #1 mistake? Not toxic relationships. Not too many relationships….
THE #1 MISTAKE WAS NOT ENGAGING IN RELATIONSHIPS!
It’s true! More than ⅓ of readers polled explained that the BIGGEST mistake they made in dating was actually not taking enough risks to start a relationship. Sitting on the sidelines and letting life happen.
I wonder how many of you can relate? I know I can. As I look back at my “pre-marriage” years I realized that for so long, I spent many of my years as a single woman living out of FEAR than out of FAITH.
I was scared of making mistakes. Scared of disappointing others. Scared of failing. Scared of making the wrong choices. I had gone through a season of singleness after a breakup, where God brought so much healing into my life. I felt ready to try dating again. But even then, I was still afraid to put myself out there. Still afraid of making the wrong choices. Still afraid of the possibility of rejection.
And for so long I let the fears of my life paralyze me from living my life.
Oftentimes in life, it’s so much easier to make choices when it comes to career, church, ministry, or friendship. We call it “faith” as we sit around waiting for a relationship to happen, but sometimes we need to come to terms with the reality that it’s really just fear that’s preventing us from moving forward.
But what is it about love and relationships that seems to paralyze us? What are we so afraid of? Maybe when it comes to love and relationships, we feel that we’re on our own. We wonder if God is there, or if He even cares. We feel left without direction, and sometimes, even without hope.
No matter who you are or what relationship mistakes you’ve made in your past, I truly believe that God is longing to give us the wisdom, the courage, and the faith to step into healthy lives, and in turn, healthy relationships.
I believe with all my heart that God has given us everything we need to know in order to do relationships WELL.
As a Professional Counselor specializing in Relationships, I get thousands of emails from people seeking relationship help from relationships gone wrong, or relationships gone “no where at all”. Though I desperately wish I had the ability to sit down for coffee with each and every single one of you, the reality is that it would take me THOUSANDS of hours to meet with and counsel each and every individual that comes my way.
But with all the questions I’ve received swirling around in my mind and heart, I decided to pour my heart, education, and experience into a 21-Day Program that I believe has the power to change hearts, lives, and relationships.
It’s 21-Days filled with the most strategic lessons and practical relationship advice that I’ve found to be effective as I’ve worked with client after client, pouring hours of research and study into this important topic. In addition to all of this, it includes a private Facebook Group where myself and hundreds of other singles who have gone through/are going through the 21 Days to Jump Start Your Love Life Program get to interact, discuss, and encourage each other. It’s important to encourage each other along the way!!
Maybe it’s time to let go of your fears, in exchange for faith.
I hope you’re ready. Click the photo below to find out more and sign up for yourself:
Debra Fileta is a Professional Counselor, national speaker, relationship expert, and author of True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life, where she writes candidly about dating, relationships, and how to find true love. Her newest relationship book is set to be released in the Summer of 2018! You may also recognize her voice from her 200+ articles at Relevant Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and all over the web! She’s also the creator of this True Love Dates Blog! Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter or book a session with her today!
