Somehow, writing this out felt like a helpful and cathartic practice for me. I won't get into the details of why this statement came about, but it definitely came from something. There's a part of me that's scared to post this. As I told my co-workers, I feel as though I'll be seen as a bit of a shrew. Yet, this is my story, today.
My (Wo)Manifesto or Declaration of Dating Principles
To the best of my abilities and with God’s help, I say:
- yes to good, clear communication, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable.
- no to games, mind trickery and the like.
- yes to asking for the input of my friends and community in dating.
- no to adjusting central/core values just to be liked by a man.
- yes to discerning God’s journey for me in this experience of dating.
- no to the lie that I will find myself through a relationship with a man.
- yes to learning how to be vulnerable, in relationally appropriate ways.
So, fellow readers, what am I missing? It's definitely a work in progress, but it felt like a good start. What is your (wo)manifesto?
yes to enjoying your own beauty and feeling lovely in your skin
ReplyDeleteyes to stepping outside of your comfort zone and visibly expressing interest
no to limiting conversations and old tapes and scratchy needle broken records spinning out despair
I'm proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging this, Jen. As much as it's a sucky rollercoaster, I can totally see you growing and expanding in new and wonderful ways. you're a good gift to the world and a good catch. :)