You wouldn’t think of it, but Catholic Priests are blogging up a storm! Picking up on Pope Benedict XVI’s wish for priests to embrace New Media, priests of all ages are sharing their homilies, daily lives, favorite Bible verses, and lessons learned through a life of prayer and reflection. Check out this list of the top 100 awesome blogs by Catholic Priests, arranged in no particular order.
Atonement Online: the diary of Fr. Christopher George Phillips, Atonement Online readers are treated to random thoughts and interesting tidbits from the Pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Church in San Antonio, Texas.
The Ax: Fr. Tom Provenzano shares his thoughts on current events in the United States, the latest movies and tv shows, the recently deceased, and reflections on the new pope.
Bangor to Bobbio: Fr. Sean Coyle offers readers Sunday reflections, which provide Bible readings and a mini sermon. His writing is beautiful and a treat to read.
A Beggar for Love: this blog records Fr. Daren Zehnie’s favorite passages from the words and writings of Pope Benedict XVI.
Gift and Mystery: this witty blog by Holy Cross priest Fr. Stephen mixes homilies with the top burgers of Washington DC, plus a few great ways to connect with Christ.
Bible-Belt Catholic: this blog by Fr. James Melnick discusses his work ministering in Arkansas. Full of interesting stories and thoughtful teachings.
Bishop Blaire’s Blog: Bishop Stephen Blaire of the Diocese of Stockton provides his thoughts on the Church, Roe v. Wade, and political activism.
Bishop Daniel Jenky: serving as Bishop of Peoria since 2012, Most Rev. Daniel R Jenky writes about serving the community, the Holy Spirit, and other insights on the Church.
The Black Biretta: Padre Giovanni Trigillio opines on homosexuality and the Church, equality, Pope Benedict, and other compelling topics relevant to today’s Catholics.
Blessed the Kingdom: this blog provides readers and visitors with an online discussion and exploration of the Christian faith, facilitated by a priest and pilgrim.
Blog of a Country Priest: Fr. John Corrigan hits on a multitude of topics, including clergy abuse, culture wars, and a priesthood Q&A.
Blogger Priest: the personal blog of Fr. Joseph Jenkins, Blogger Priest treats readers to topics on the priesthood. He writes that priests are ministers of reconciliation, but never at the cost of truth.
Traditional Catholic Preist: Fr. Peter Carota blogs about martyrs of Otranto Italy, today’s martyrs, the Mother Mary, and other inspiring topics concerning the Catholic faith.
Bread Blessed and Broken: Fr. Kenneth Anderson, a Priest of the Rockford Catholic Diocese in DeKalb, Illinois blogs about love, Jesus, holy days, and bible passages.
Breaking the Word: From Fr. Chris, this blog’s mission is to serve faith and recognize that without faith, the human world seems too evil for God to be good. Offers devotional messages, readings, and reflection exercises.
Breathing With Both Lungs: Br. Tom Forde is a Capuchin Franciscan and works as a chaplain at a school. He blogs about the Pope, church abuse, and homosexuality, among other interesting topics.
The Bridge: Fr. Frank Majka blogs about faith, Easter, Lent, Christmas, and prayer to his faithful readers. He provides insight into bible verses and recommends prayers.
Bridges and Tangents: Fr. Stephen Wang is a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Westminster, London. This blog explores the landscape of arts, science, religion, politics, and philosophy.
Brother Priests: Fr. Benjamin Sember and his twin brother Fr. Joel Sember write about marriage, Mother Mary, celibacy, family, and a host of other invigorating topics.
Called By Name: Fr. Kyle Schnippel believes that there is a tide of vocations to the priesthood and religious life waiting to happen. The blog explores his life as a priest and the journey to becoming a priest.
Canonical Codemonkey: Fr. Rodney White is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of San Angelo in Texas. Fr. White blogs about his personal experiences as a priest studying for a license in Canon Law in Canada.
The Canon’s Stall: Canon Matthew Jones, a parish priest in north Cardiff, writes on local parish news, the election of Pope Francis, and the celebration of Easter.
Cardinal Roger Mahony Blogs LA: the official blog of the Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, Cardinal Mahony discusses his personal views on immigration, prayer, and reactions to events in the news.
Cardinal Sean’s Blog: the blog of Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, it features numerous journal entries describing the Boston Bombing and a trip to the Holy Land.
Domine, da mihi hanc aquam!: this blog by Fr. Philip N. Powell, Ph.D., provides readers with a number of homilies that teach how to react to strife and challenges found in everyday life.
Father Dennis: Fr. Dennis, a Midwestern Catholic priest, provides his insights onto the Church, prayer, love, and the Bible.
Father Ray’s Other Corner: Fr. Ray Suriani uses this blog to post his homilies, including a link to an audio recording. He touches on justice, reparation, and resurrection.
Fire, Salt, and Light: readers find reflections and comments on all aspects of Catholic life from Fr. Arthur Joseph.
Living Sacrifice: Fr. Christopher Mahar’s blog is his way of connecting with his congregation and the wider world of those who seek spiritual teaching. Readers are able to find an archive of his homilies.
Gloria Olivae: this blog promotes the messages of Pope Benedict XVI and seeks to draw upon small monastic Benedictine communities.
The Great Commandment: this blog written by Fr. Jim Tucker is the personal opinions of the Catholic Church, his local church, and popular culture.
The Hermeneutic of Continuity: Fr. Tim Finigan explores doctrine, liturgy, morals, the Church’s place in society, and other though-provoking topics.
Laus Crucis: Fr. Paul Spencer, a Passionist living in Scotland, writes on the Passionist Order, World Youth Day, and the Synod.
Life’s Crosses: Aloysius Ong is a “young” priest who blogs on his thoughts as his ministers to the world, notably on the trials and tribulations he faces.
Monastery of the Holy Cross: written by Fr. Peter of a southside Chicago monastery, this blog features his weekly homily and even a podcast.
Father Joe: Fr. Joseph Jenkins is the pastor of Holy Family Church in the Washington, DC Archdiocese whose personal blog is filled with things that interest him, including political debates and current news.
Father Keyes Blog: this Catholic priest blogs about the Bible, Canon Law, the Catechism, the Compendium, the Vatican, and a host of other Catholic topics.
Servant and Steward: Fr. Daren Zehnie’s personal blog provides readers with homilies, thoughts on the Church, and other interests.
The Truth Will Make You Free: Rev. Robert Connor blogs on his reflections on the teachings of Vatican II through John Paul, Benedict, and Francis.
Viewpoints: the personal blog of Most Rev. Oscar Cruz, Viewpoints features such notable articles as “The Justice System in the Philippines” and “Responsible Parenthood.”
Vultus Christ: the blog of Dom Mark Daniel Kirby, Vultus Christ explores the ecclesial mandate of his Benedictine community.
Fr. Z’s Blog: this blog provides commentary on Catholic issues, liturgical translations, and news. Same sex marriage is also discussed.
Bonfire of the Vanities: Fr. Martin Fox publishes his homilies on a variety of topics, including the Boston Bombing, polygamy, and evil.
Adam’s Ale: blogger Adam writes about a day in the life of a priest, interesting quotes, and thoughts for consideration.
Aisling On Earth: the mission of Fr. Joseph Hennessy’s blog is to bring home the fact that each one of us are spiritual beings having a human experience.
The Alternate Path: Fr. Michael Cummins reflects on following Christ and discerning ones vocation. He finds inspiration from Pope Benedict XVI.
Anamchara: the place readers visit to read thought-provoking articles from Msgr. Eric R. Barr’s perspective on Roman Catholicism, Celtic Spirituality, and great literature.
Caritas in Veritate: Fr. John Boyle, from the Archdiocese of Southwark, England writes on Church news, his life as a priest, worship, and Church conferences.
Catholic Collar and Tie: offers thoughts and reflections on usually Catholic issues, such as Church law, reform, and the future of Pope Francis, from Fr. Gary Dickson.
Catholic Global Mission Today: written by Fr. Carl Chudy, this blog shares the love of Christ across faith and culture through global missions.
Catholic Insights: through Bible analysis, homilies, and examples Fr. Charlie takes readers through spiritual reflections in his beautifully written posts.
Catholic American Eyes in Korea: this group blog of the Maryknoll Priests, this blog explores the Catholic experience in Korea.
Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction: the purpose of this blog, written by a group of priests and laity, is to help you in your journey to and with God. Posts discuss perspective, spiritual direction, and prayer.
Catholic Vision: ordained a Catholic Priest in 2006, Fr. Andrew writes about his homilies, pop culture, spiritual life, and Catholic vision.
Mercy and Mary: thoughts from Fr. John Larson, a Catholic priest living in Ohio. He blogs about Church news and history.
Catholicism Anew: this blog by Fr. Robert J. Carr features analysis and teachings from Bible passages, losing the fear of mistakes, love, and music.
Catholicism, Scholarship, & Fun!: Fr. James Lloyd describes himself as a psychologist, bridge player, and old timer. It’s no wonder his blog is a great mix of wisdom, theology, and sports!
A Chaplain Abroad: the blog of Fr. Bede Rowe, a Chaplain at a school in Italy. Tells of his travels and life abroad.
City Father: Fr. Ronald Franco, a member of the Paulist Fathers, writes about world events, political happenings, and Church news.
Frrick: Fr. Richard Healey’s readers are treated to homilies, Biblical lessons, and perspectives on the Holy Week, service, and worship.
A Concord Pastor Comments: Austin Fleming, a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston, writes about spirituality, worship, and prayer.
A Word From Rome: this blog captures the experiences of a seminarian in Rome during the period between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.
The Church of Saint Vincent Ferrer: this blog of Fr. John Chrysostom Kozlowski features announcements, stories, photos, audio, and video of the many events held at the church.
Offerimus Tibi Domine: Fr. Simon Henry blogs about the priesthood. A recent article discusses the long papacy of Pope John Paul and how we are connected to Christ.
Sense of the Sacred: Fr. Jojo Zerrudo writes about dissenters, stating that “dissenters enjoy much popular support because they say what the world says.”
Meeting Christ in the Liturgy: Fr. Kevin Cusick, author of a weekly column for The Wanderer, the oldest US Catholic weekly, also writes this informative blog about lessons learned from the Bible.
Fr. Blake’s Blog: known for his fine writing, Fr. Blake delights readers with his thoughts on the Mass, prayer, diversity, and devotion.
Forest Murmurs: this blog by Fr. Michael Brown is composed mainly of news clippings of interests to the Church—with such articles as a church recently purchased by the Institute of Christ the King.
Ecclesia Semper Reformanda: Fr. Jay Scott Newman is a priest of the Diocese of Charleston. He focuses his blog on reform efforts in the Catholic Church.
EF Pastorem: this blog by Fr. Eamonn F. Whelan exposes a variety of issues that have tremendous impact on Church doctrine, such as abortion.
En Pocas Palabras: Bishop Daniel E. Flores, who serves as a priest in Brownsville, TX, blogs about his life ministering to the faithful.
Encounters: Bishop Pat Alo of the Philippines shares his thoughts on biblical teachings, family, faith, and love.
Ex Umbris Et Imaginibus: the blog of Fraternity of St. Genesius, this blog talks about how you can assist the Church in her mission of evangelization to those in the cinema and the arts.
Eyes of Faith: Fr. Larry Gearhart, the pastor of two small country parishes in Ohio, provides readers with a place to learn about the elusive nature of listening to and following God’s will.
Father Acervo’s Corner: Roman Catholic priest Fr. Acervo provides worshipers at his church in Detroit with homilies and podcasts.
Fr. Anthony Ho: Fr. Anthony Ho is a priest in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. His blog discusses spiritual, catechetical, and pastoral topics.
Father Bob’s Reflections: Father Bob helps his readers connect with God, the self, and the Word.
Father Brian Van Hove’s Blog: Fr. Brian keeps readers up-to-date on his personal reflections of recent events, such as the Boston Bombing.
Father Carlson’s Blog: a Catholic Priest in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Fr. Carlson writes in order to help people along with their faith life.
Father Don’s Vocation Blog: Fr. Don Miller writes about travel and vocation experiences in his personal web log. He encourages comments that will lead to thought-provoking conversation.
Father Dylan’s Sermons: this is the place for finding Fr. Dylan’s sermons online. Features Bible readings and analysis.
Father Jason Worthley: ordained to the priesthood in 2004, Fr. Jason Worthley writes on the stations of the cross, and other worship and prayer topics.
Father Jim Chern’s Blog: on his blog, Fr. Jim posts his homilies, messages on the love of Christ, and ways to live better lives.
Father Matt Sonshine: Fr. Sonshine is focused on helping others by showing them their potential and not their thorns.
Father Mike’s Podcast: Fr. Mike blogs about spiritual reflections, teachings, and provides Sunday homilies.
Father Raymond J. de Souza: features a collection of articles by this Catholic priest. Find postings on Papal Retirement, Conclave, and more!
Fr. Scott Hurd’s Homilies: Can’t get to Church? Check back here often for Fr. Scott’s weekday and Sunday homilies.
Father Sullivan’s Blog: this is the spot for finding the latest sermon’s and biblical writings of Father Sullivan.
Father Tom’s Blog: in this well-written blog, Fr. Tom writes on the Kingdom of God, the Ambassador of Christ, and silent retreats.
Fr. Michael Duffy’s Blog: Fr. Duffy is empowered and encouraged to blog about the Church from Pope Benedict XVI, who called on priests to use New Media to spread the good news.
A Few Simple Words: walk in the shoes of Fr. Bob, a former campus priest, now a pastor of a great parish.
Fiat Volvntas Tua: read about the commentary and personal understanding from Fr. Joseph, a Catholic priest who converted from Protestantism.
Acts 24 Blog: this blog by Fr. Jacob Maurer focuses on two levels: 1) that faith in Christ and His Church is a completion of God’s covenant to Israel; and 2) we are to evangelize the nations with the good news.
For His Friends: this personal blog of Bishop Robert Lynch, the Bishop of St. Petersburg, FL. He shares with readers his travels and service to Christ.
Fr. Bresowar’s Homilies: contains numerous homilies that can be used in Bible study or personal reflection.
Fr. Burke Master’s Thoughts for the Day: Bible verses, reflections, homilies, and other teachings make this blog a great read for Catholic and non-Catholic.
Fr. Carmen Mele: bilingual priest serving the Diocese of Fort Worth, Fr. Carmen Mele provides readers with easy to read “homilettes.”
Fr. Martin Flatman’s Blog: features articles on the Faith, Frances, and includes homilies, notices, and other Church news.
Father MD’s Kitchen Table: this vlog will touch on homilies, lessons, feasts, and kitchen table sense to bring you closer to the Lord.
Father Michael Denk: this blog speaks on current events, and how to turn to the Lord when times get tough.
Special Guest Article by Amy Bonaccorso
One of the first questions I ask singles who are struggling to find a husband or wife is, “Are you online?” I can offer endless real-life examples that show the value of online dating. Even as a socially involved young professional in bustling Washington D.C., I met my husband online – not through one of the many social or professionally oriented events I went to. Which brings me to the first of five reasons for you to consider online dating…
- Meet More People Locally: Yes, online dating can help you meet more people nearby. I know this doesn’t seem obvious, but it is true. Even if you are socially active, you probably won’t be able to meet every promising prospect in your local area through your daily schedule and routine alone. If you live in a busy town, the number of possible matches is going to be too high to sift through properly in person. Some of the most desirable matches may be busy with a demanding work or school schedule, meaning that your only chance to meet them could be online.
- Broaden Your Scope to Out of Towners: The truth is that some people live in areas with low populations and perhaps, not many singles in their age bracket. Something has got to give! If it’s not possible to re-locate, it’s important to grow outside the limiting geography somehow. Get online, don’t waste time on pen pals who are not interested in traveling, and budget for some transportation yourself.
- Extrovert and Introvert Advantages: It’s now estimated that perhaps 50% of the population is introverted. That means that a lot of people have a preference towards quieter activities and smaller social settings rather than large crowds and big parties. Introverts might prefer testing the waters a bit with a new person via email before meeting face to face. At the same time, my extroverted husband says that he also had an advantage online because he could initiate a lot of first contacts quickly. Also, an extrovert may have more luck getting an introvert to open up if they start with written communication.
- Effective Time Management: It’s hard to know how many guys or gals are actually going to show up at in-person events and how many will be purposeful and marriage-minded. Online dating allows you to cut to the chase and find a pool of people who for the most part, at least claim to be marriage-minded. You can also quickly gather basic data about someone, like their age, if they have children, or if they are annulled or divorced. This can speed up the process for you. Also, you are in charge of how much time you spend online and when.
- More Social Flexibility: Common sense says that observant Catholics should initially plug into Catholic dating sites. But, I always advise singles to be attentive to their progress or lack thereof. If things don’t click after a good while, it’s time to discern. I say, “When God says no, it’s time to grow.” Online, you can grow more with one click by checking out a dating website (not just any social networking site will do – target sites with a dating focus) with a broader pool of motivated singles. Broadening your social circle in-person is typically more time-consuming.
The bottom line about online dating is that the party has moved from where it was 30 years ago. Yes, not every online connection will work out for you, but does every in-person connection work out? No.
If you don’t put an egg in the online dating basket, you will never know what you could possibly be missing. Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking. God doesn’t call us to be completely passive about our life purpose and most important life goals. Keep praying, but also walk in the direction of your prayer by taking the initiative.
Amy Bonaccorso is a life coach, dating expert, and the award-winning author of How to Get to ‘I Do’ – A Dating Guide for Catholic Women. Her work is regularly featured on radio, television, print and online media outlets. Before becoming a full-time coach and writer, she led a successful decade-long career as a communications professional in the federal government. Visit her at www.amybonaccorso.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
Let’s face it. There are thousands of marriage and relationship blogs out there. Where to begin? Fear not, we’ve sifted through the vast array of these blogs to pick our top 100 Christian marriage and relationship blogs. These blogs feature relationship advice, wedding planning, and most of all stories, advice, and tips for having a healthy, loving Christian marriage.
Note: The following list is presented in no particular order. We have numbered them for easier reading, but the numbers are not indicative of a particular “ranking”.
Jump to: Christian Marriage Blogs | Christian Marriage Sexual Intimacy Blogs | Christian Relationship Blogs
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The internet can be one of the best platforms for finding a man who shares the same Catholic faith, ideals, and love for God as you do. Sadly though, the internet can also be a breeding ground for dangerous people who use online dating services for the wrong reasons. Because you never know who you might meet on the web, when communicating with online Catholic singles it is imperative that you use your best judgment to maintain the highest level of emotional and physical protection. So with the following guidelines, you can plan a safe first date with your cyber guy and still have an enjoyable time.
#1: Check him out. Before you dash out on the town with a gentleman you’ve never met, you might want to do a little more prep work than just putting together a fabulous outfit with a spritz of your best perfume. You might also want to run a background check on your potential match. There are many websites that can do exactly that, but you can also easily do one on your own. Type his name into Google and various social networking sites and see if you can uncover any incriminating evidence indicating that the guy’s not who he says he is. What you find may help you decide whether or not you’d be better off staying home with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.
#2: Meet him in a crowded place. The first few times you go out with someone you met online, the smartest thing to do is to meet them at a busy, public venue and never rely on your date for transportation. Places like coffee shops, restaurants, daytime parks or museums all provide a casual and relaxed atmosphere where you can feel comfortable getting to know someone.
#3: Tell a friend. Of course you want to share all the details of your new cyber dating life with those closest to you! But other than just dishing on how devastatingly handsome your new guy is, you need to let a friend or family member know his name and where you are going on your first date. Be sure to keep your cell phone handy and call this friend or family member as soon as you get home to let them know you’re safe.
#4: Limit the information you give. If you’ve gotten to the point in your online communications when you feel like its time for an in-person meeting, then most likely you’ve spent quite a bit of time talking and learning about each other over the internet. But while on your date, still be cautious about what you divulge in conversation. It is best to keep information like your home address, place of work and other personally identifying material under wraps until you know for sure what kind of guy you are dealing with.
#5: Be aware of your surroundings. The idea of meeting someone you’ve connected with over the internet is very thrilling. As exciting as this is, however, it is important that you not sacrifice your safety to please someone else. You can have an enjoyable experience, but be mindful of what is going on around you at all times. Watch out for your belongings, especially your drink—and be sure to skip the alcohol as it will only impair your judgment.
#6: Trust your gut. Should you feel that something is off or wrong during any part of your first date, listen to that feeling. Don’t be afraid of bowing out of your date early if the guy is making you uncomfortable. Any gentleman pursuing you for the right reasons will understand your need for security and won’t question your safety precautions.
Dating is already tough enough as it is without having to factor in religion. When you’re trying to find a man or woman that’s also a good Catholic, it becomes that much more difficult. If you are single, rooted deeply in your Catholic faith, and haven’t stumbled upon that special someone yet, you may be wondering if you’re ever going to find a person with whom to share a religion, love, and a life in which you can grow together spiritually.
When it comes to searching for love as a Catholic, there are some common misconceptions out there. If you’ve ever found yourself with some serious questions, be sure to keep reading and find the answers that may facilitate your quest for a meaningful relationship:
Does God want me to find someone? Most Christians believe that God has a plan; the frustrating part is that we don’t know what that plan is. The one thing we do know is that He wants each of us to find our soul mate. But you can’t just leave the process in the hands of God. If you truly want a relationship, you have got to put yourself out there and open your heart to finding your match.
Where is the best place to find Catholic singles? With the ease and accessibility that the internet has provided us, it comes as no shock that the web is a great place to meet Catholic singles. The internet gives us benefits like conveniently searching for love from the comfort of home and the ability to weed through huge databases containing thousands of singles. Not only should you take to the cyber realm, but there are also some more traditional places to find love: church, singles events, social activities, volunteering, etc. Get involved!
Is online dating for Catholics? Of course! Christian and Catholic online dating services are some of the best ways to find someone who shares your values and interests. These sites allow you to broaden your chances of meeting Mr. or Mrs. Right by opening you up to people outside of your immediate community and network of friends. Dating services provide a non-threatening environment, where even shy people feel comfortable making connections that are based on compatibility.
Are internet dating sites safe? Online dating services are safe—when you use them correctly. To do this, follow the tips below:
- Never give out any personally identifying information: home address, place of employment, email address, phone number, financial details or last name.
- Plan a first date in a crowded, public place—never rely on your date for transportation. Be sure to tell someone where you are going and with whom. Never leave your belongings unattended and keep your cell phone handy.
- Listen to your gut and cease contact with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
How can I be certain the person I’m dating believes in God? To be sure of a dating mate’s Christian identity, keep an eye out for meaningful signs of a spirit-filled and genuine interest in God and behavior that demonstrates the obedience of God’s word. A single Christian person will try to live their life with the main goal of placing God and their faith above themselves and others. However, just because someone doesn’t lead a virtuous existence doesn’t mean they don’t believe in God—many do but have carnal mindsets, pursuing only worldly desires. Be aware of what kind of person you are looking for and how important a Christian lifestyle is to you in a potential match.
What are some general first date tips? Above everything, safety needs to be your top concern. When you play it safe, the rest is easy…
- Be honest and be yourself in all interactions—other honest people pursuing you for the right reasons will appreciate what makes you who you are.
- Don’t bring up any bitter issues about your past. Keep the conversation light and always maintain a positive attitude—remember, positivity attracts positivity.
- Engage the other person. Be sure to actively listen to your date, ask questions and give your respectful opinions.
Can I have sex if I’m a single Christian? The Bible tells us to flee fornication before marriage. If you truly want to lead an abundant Christian life, it is important to abstain from sex before there is a wedding band around your finger. God’s plan is to give you someone who completes you not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If this is the kind of relationship you want, make sure you look for someone who holds the same ideas and beliefs as you.
If you’ve decided to take your quest for a spiritually and emotionally enriching relationship to the World Wide Web, that is great news. The internet provides a place where you can find many Catholic men and women who share the same morals and values as you. Unfortunately, however, there are some signed up to online dating websites who don’t have such pure intentions. To avoid beginning a potentially dangerous cyber relationship with one of these people, take a look at the following safety mistakes many online daters make, and learn what you can do instead to protect yourself:
Mistake #1: Giving out too much info. When creating your online profile and interacting with fellow online singles, it is important that you don’t give out personal information that could be used in malicious ways against you. If you disclose your home address, place of employment, private email address, phone number and even your last name you could be setting yourself up for an unwanted encounter with an internet stranger.
Instead…Keep anything that you wouldn’t want in the wrong hands to yourself until you are absolutely, 100% sure that the person you are communicating with is legit and worthy of your trust. Those interested in you for the right reasons will respect and understand your need for privacy.
Mistake #2: Rushing into a meeting. Listen to your mother’s advice when she told you to take things slow. You may think you know someone after a few emails and phone calls, but because of the anonymity that the internet provides, you never know who you are going to meet when an internet connection turns into a face-to-face encounter.
Instead…The average amount of time singles spend getting to know one another before meeting in person is about three weeks; therefore, you can use that as a good time frame to go by. However, it is fine to wait longer than that if need be. Wait until you feel it is right and then plan a safe first date.
Mistake #3: Neglecting safety for fun on the first dates. If you allow your date to pick you up from home on your first couple of dates, you are putting yourself at an automatic disadvantage. This person now knows where you live and you don’t even know if they gave you their real name. If you let your guard down for a night of fun, you are welcoming trouble and making yourself an easy target for a predator.
Instead…Opt to meet your internet match at a crowded, public place using your own ride. Make sure that you let someone know where you are going, along with the name of your date. Skip the alcohol as it will do nothing but hamper your good-decision making skills and make you less aware of what’s going on around you. Be sure to keep a cell phone handy and an eye on your belongings (especially your drink) at all times.
Mistake #4: Ignoring your gut. If someone you met online is putting off a shady vibe and your gut is telling you that something is off…chances are that something really is off.
Instead…Always listen to your intuitive side—it rarely lies! It is crucial that you never put your physical and emotional well-being on the line just because someone is paying for your dinner. Always have a plan of action and be sure to assert yourself confidently by getting out of a risky situation to a safe place. Don’t be embarrassed of another person’s opinion of your precautionary behavior—your safety is far more important in the long run.
You may want to get to know a guy fast. This is frowned upon by most dating gurus and self-help articles on the subject, but hey, the modern girl has places to be! You can’t always schedule three or five dates to see if you’re into this guy for the long haul. If you’re the type of gal who wants to get in and out, this drill of eight first date questions will give you everything you need to know about whether to bother with another date. Remember never to deliver the questions in drill format and if you don’t get all of the questions in, don’t worry about that either. It’s all about feeling out your date to see if he has potential to be The One.
- Where did you grow up? From here, he’ll be forced to talk about his background and how he got to where he is. He may tip-toe around the question, which can be a sign that he isn’t into family or isn’t into sharing these things at this time. From there, it’s up to you whether to wait it out to see if he comes around or not. He may go into his family situation or his views on family in general.
- Where did you go to school? For some, the college experience was a huge part of their lives. Finding out where a person went to school may lead them to talk about their major, their college experiences, any community activities they were involved in or how they got into their industry. This is a light and easy question that most people enjoy discussing, even on a first date.
- Have you traveled much? Some of us would live in a different country every month if we had the opportunity, while others have no desire to see how other cultures live. If you’re looking at whether or not he’s The One, a question like this will show you what camp he falls into. Even if he hasn’t traveled much, he most likely will go into that he would like to travel a lot in the future or he will make it clear he has no interest in traveling to new places. You may look at this as a small thing, but it does make a difference once you’ve settled down with someone. If you’re the type that loves to see how others live, you may get restless taking trips within your state or hitting the same chain resorts on a beach every vacation.
- Do you like kids or animals? If you aren’t feeling gutsy enough to blatantly ask a guy if he likes kids (and face it, this can scare a guy off), ask if he likes animals instead. While children aren’t animals, it will show his compassionate side or show that he really isn’t connected to things like this. There are plenty of women who aren’t interested in having kids or a pet either. That doesn’t make them bad people, it just means they aren’t into these things and as a relationship grows, that could post a problem if you’re on opposite sides of the fence.
- Are you active? This is another one that may not seem like it matters much, but in reality it does. If you’re a health nut who sticks to green juices and lean meats while juggling spinning and marathons, you may not match up with a guy who sits in front of the TV every night and hits fast food restaurants daily. Getting active together is also a great way to connect with your partner while being healthy. If you aren’t the type that devotes time or a conscious effort to your health, it most likely won’t matter if your potential soul mate does.
- Are you happy with your job? Let’s get one thing straight – not everyone lives for their work. A lot of people do, but in a down economy, more and more people are realizing that work is just that. For some, clocking in, clocking out and garnering a steady paycheck is enough. Not everyone is after a McMansion and four cars. This question is one that he will most likely be honest about. He will say he loves the industry he’s in, but hopes to have a different position eventually or he will say he likes what he does, but his life doesn’t revolve around work. Either way, you’ll get your answer and you can decide if it lines up with your philosophy on lifestyle and career.
- Would you rather go out or stay in? Some like to stay in and cuddle, others love the night life. It can cause some friction if a couple is on opposite ends of the spectrum. There’s nothing wrong with changing up your routine once in awhile, but for the most part, both partners should prefer going out or staying in. Some people have a packed social calendar, with lots of time devoted to birthday parties and work events. Others want to have a simple dinner nightly, followed by reading or watching a movie. Ask him what he prefers and get an idea of what your nights might be like for the rest of your life. Does it seem like something you’d like for the long haul?
- Are you religious? This may seem like a very personal question, and it is to some extent, but it isn’t one that crosses the boundary for a first date. If the guy is religious, he will be happy to say he regularly attends church and what his religion is. He will also be interested in your own religious beliefs and eager to hear where you stand on the subject. If he isn’t religious, he won’t have a problem sharing this. If he’s interested in a relationship with you, he will want to know your thoughts. Whether you are religious or not, it is important you share the same views on faith as your potential partner.
The next time you have a first date, sit down and start asking your questions. If you meet a guy online or through a friend, you probably have some idea of what this person is looking for out of a relationship at this stage in his life. If the guy makes a comment on your questions, be confident enough to be honest. Tell him you aren’t interested in getting to know someone who doesn’t hold the same values and ideals as you because you’re looking for a partner. There’s nothing wrong with being direct as long as it’s presented in a polite manner. Refrain from being icy if you don’t get answers you want. Remember it’s better to get to know the real him in the beginning than have him pretend to be something he’s not.
Setting up the right profile when joining a Catholic dating site is essential to finding the right match for you. That said, most people new to online Catholic Dating aren’t sure how much information to divulge and what things to hold back on. In this article you’ll learn 4 tips for setting up your Catholic Dating Website Profile.
1. Anonymity is Safety
Just because you’re on a Catholic dating site doesn’t mean you’re safe. You still want to protect yourself when dating online. After all, unsavory characters can pop up anywhere. It’s important to obtain a certain level of trust without revealing too much about yourself. Keep your first and last names to yourself. In your profile you should have a quirky screenname that helps you stand out without divulging your first or last name. Should you run into problems with a potential mate, you won’t have to worry about them trying to find you elsewhere online.
2. Keep it Light and Don’t Leave Identifying Clues
Keep the conversation light. On your profile, you don’t want to go deep into your past or your future. There’s nothing wrong with giving tidbits about what you’re interested in, but there’s no reason to make a novel out of it. Be authentic in the things you post in your profile and never lie. Who knows where an online connection will lead you. You don’t want to lie about yourself and create a level of distrust from the get-go. On a Catholic dating site you may assume you’re safe, but you have to be just as careful as you’d be on a general dating site.
3. Be Direct About Your Goals
Be direct about what type of relationship you’re after. There’s nothing wrong with saying you’re looking for a long term relationship. Don’t be too forward, but be honest about what you’re looking for. Some may be looking for friends with similar interests and religious beliefs, while others may be after marriage and ready for someone who wants to settle down. There’s no reason to lie in this area either. If you’re a hopeless romantic who’s ready for things to get serious, say it. If you are just entering the online dating world after a bad breakup or a divorce, keep the conversation light and say you’re after friends. Interacting with like-minded people will build your confidence and allow you to transition to being comfortable with dating.
4. Be Forthcoming with Your Age
Include your age. Because a lot of people on Catholic dating sites are looking for a serious relationship, be sure to include your age. You don’t want to make a connection with someone only to find out they’re outside of the age group you’re willing to date. For some Catholics this may not matter much, but for others it can be a factor, so include it to be honest with potential dates. You should also include a few interests outside of church. Church may be a significant part of your life, but it most likely doesn’t consume it. Include a few extra hobbies you enjoy to entice those with similar interests.
