We all want it. A deep meaningful relationship.

You can become infatuated with someone overnight. You can have your lusting desires filled instantly. But you can't build a deep, long-lasting relationship without investing a considerable amount of time into another person.

Here's why...

It takes patience, commitment and a rock-solid foundation that begins as a tried and tested friendship in order to get to a place of trust, respect, and mutual love with another person. It takes putting the other person first and letting go of your own selfish desires. This is why I encourage you to take the time to really get to know someone before you begin dating them. I promise you that discovering a meaningful relationship built on mutual respect and selfless love is worth the wait.

Many people don't have the patience to let a relationship develop. They want to rush into things, because being in a close relationship can feel like the ultimate high. Many times, people imagine a relationship to be better than it really is, just so they can feel in love, a sort of cloudy, fuzzy, state of giddiness that makes everything else in life seem small and boring in comparison.

Sex too Soon

Yet there is a danger of rushing in and adding sex to an undeveloped, uncommitted relationship. When sex is added too quickly, the natural progress of the relationship is thrown all out of whack. Sex is an act of completely giving yourself to another person and to be that vulnerable with someone before you really know them leads to anxiety and questions such as, is this relationship only based on sex or does he/she really love me? This can cause a cloud to hang over them, one that can often ruin their relationship.

Relationships Take Time

How are you going to find a meaningful relationship? Just remember, real love involves a growing relationship, and any amount of growth takes time and attention. Not every relationship is worth the time. And if you take things slow you will discover this before you are in too deep.

My prayer is that you will find that relationship. Protect it for all its worth because it is worth it. Nurture the relationship, take care of it, and do things that will let you get to know each other. Let God be your foundation, and let love, rather than selfishness, be your guide.

For additional help with relationships, read my blog about Guarding your heart in dating relationships.