Building your relationship right (The Foundation)

Many relationships fail today because they were not founded on solid foundations. If the foundation is destroyed, the builders would have to break down whatever structure they had and start all over again.
Before considering a relationship, some of the foundations that you must consider include

1. Maturity. Before you even consider entering into a relationship, you must be considered an adult because there are somethings you may not be able to handle as a kid. The truth is that relationships are for the matured and only those who are ready for the challenges would enjoy it. Maturity is not however restricted to age. Anyone considering a relationship must also be emotionally matured. Such a person should be complete on his/her own before venturing into any relationship. You should never enter a relationship because you can not stay alone or because you are lonely. If you do that, you would over time become a burden to your partner. Be satisfied with your singlehood first, before diving into a relationship. Finally, you must also be spiritually matured. We are growing to be better and better, but you must be one who know your God and you should have reached some levels with Him. There are some challenges you may not be able to face alone and that is where the God you know would really matter.
2. Market value. I'm sure you would onlu want to enter a relationship with someone you admire and respect. I guess you would like some traits in the person, traits that make the person stand out. However, remember that you must have something of value to get something of value. You can only purchase a value good in the market with substance (i.e. money). SO if you want to enter into a relationship with someone of value, you must have value first. Relationship is about give and take. Scriptures say that iron sharpens iron. If you don't have 'market value', then you may not be able to get that guy or girl of your dreams. Even if you succeed in getting the person,, the relationship would only last for a while. SO before you consider taking the plunge and getting into that relationship, make sure you are valuable.
3. Discover yourself and where you are headed to.I believe that a relationship is like a journey with a driver (the man) and a passenger (the woman). Would you ever enter a car with a driver that does not know where he is headed to? Or would you pick a passenger who tells you any direction is OK by me? The persons in a relationship are supposed to complement each other, and this is only possible when they both have an idea of where they are headed. You may not have a full picture, but you must atleast have an idea. What are your future plans? What has God purposed for you? Where are you headed to? When you are able to answer these questions, then you would know the kind of person you would need to accomplish them. Adam was busy in the garden before God created Eve to be a helper to him. Don't see a relationship as fun alone. It is a whole lot of work and commitment too. So before taking that bold step, make sure you know where you are going and the kind of person you need to get there.

Here are some questions. Let me hear your opinions.

• What is the purpose of a relationship?
• Is casual dating wrong?