What Does Friends First Mean in Dating?

Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Have you ever wondered if the key to a more fulfilling love life could lie in the simple act of building a friendship first? This approach challenges us to rethink the conventional paths to romance and discover the benefits of starting with a solid foundation of friendship.

"Friends first" in dating typically means getting to know each other on a platonic level before advancing into a romantic relationship. It's about establishing a foundation of friendship, where you share experiences and learn each other's stories without the immediate pressure of commitment. It's an invitation to get to know someone deeply and to understand their joys, struggles, and dreams. At its heart, choosing to be friends before pursuing romance is about laying a groundwork of trust, respect, and genuine affection.

Often, the goal is to see if there is a deeper connection that could lead to a meaningful and lasting relationship. It allows space for authentic connection. It's not about seeking attention or avoiding commitment but about creating a solid foundation that can support a future relationship.

By focusing on building a friendship, you open yourself up to discovering the beauty of God's design for relationships. We learn to appreciate the blessings of companionship, to communicate openly and honestly, and to encourage each other in faith. This way, if a deeper relationship does blossom, it's rooted in a mutual understanding and a shared love for God.

Today, as you consider a friends-first approach to dating, take some time to journal about what you hope to gain from the experience and how it aligns with a biblically-based approach to relationships. Reflect on the qualities you value in friendship and how these can form the foundation of a romantic relationship that honors God. Consider Proverbs 18:24 and think about the characteristics of a friend who "sticks closer than a brother." How can these traits guide your path in building meaningful, faith-centered relationships?