Fighting FOMOনমুনা

FOMO: Dating

Relationships in middle and high school can be pointless.

So why date? What are we afraid of missing out on? Probably the fun, the make-out sessions, and the “awwww”-inspiring Instagrams that can come with it. But what we don’t see is the distraction, regret, isolation, and heartbreak that can also come along with dating.

The difference maker? TIMING!

Think about it this way: We all love food. We need it. We crave it. And sometimes, we get so hungry we throw some Totino’s pizza rolls in the microwave and call it a day (low key, they’re delicious).

Now, think about the best meal you’ve ever had. More than likely, it took time: some serious meal prep, pots and pans and ovens, meat that had to be cut with a knife and everything.

The quicker the preparation, the crappier the meal. Totino's may be good, but let’s be honest—it ain’t the best.

You see, God created relationships so a man and a woman could glorify God, enjoy one another, and move toward marriage. He created them to be the best. While dating in school isn’t bad, it might not be the best.

In Song of Solomon, the author continually urges the reader not to “stir up or awaken love until it pleases.” The Bible even goes further to promise us that God makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

So maybe it’s OK to miss out on the couple’s photos and date nights right now. Embrace being single now in order to say “yes” to what is best later. Sure, at times you’ll feel like you’re missing out because everyone around you is making out in the school parking lot, but you’re promised in the Bible that if you seek the Lord you will lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

When it comes to dating while you’re in school, what are you looking to get out of it? What do you really want? Bae might not be bad, but is bae the best?