Catholic Dating, Discernment, and Marriage Preparation (with Juliette Bean)

February 1, 2022 Danielle Bean

This week’s special guest is Juliette Bean, daughter of our host Danielle Bean! She joins us to discuss dating, discernment, and marriage preparation from a Catholic perspective.

Snippet from the Show
God can bring good out of even our simplest choices.

If you are interested in hearing more from some of Danielle’s family members, check out this episode with her husband Dan.

Dating and Technology

One of the biggest impacts on dating in today’s world is technology. It presents both pros and cons. A positive is that with technology, people are better able to stay in touch and stay connected with one another. However, this can also become a negative when it takes the place of in person communication. Constant texting/DMing doesn’t always feel as authentic and it can lead to miscommunication due to the lack of facial expressions, body language and tone.

Prayer in a Relationship

Prayer in a relationship is important and so good. However, individual prayer should also remain a priority. Regardless of where you are in your prayer life, single or in a relationship, you can start now. Identify and take some concrete steps to start forming your prayer life.

Setting Expectations

Setting expectations and rules in a relationship is a very key element to a healthy relationship. Taking the time early in a relationship to be open with one another about expectations and the rules you want to have in place is sure to aid greatly in the health of the relationship. Tip: write your expectations/rules down so that you can go back to them and hold yourselves accountable.

Soulmates

Believing in soul mates can lead to trouble in discernment, dating, and even marriage. Yes, God has a plan for each one of us. His plan for marriage is that each spouse works to get their spouse to Heaven. It is unlikely that there is only one person in the world for each of us that is able to get us to Heaven. Love and marriage ultimately comes down to choice. It isn’t about always being happy and having the perfect life. Rather it is about choosing each other every single day through joy and sorrow. It is about walking with each other and encouraging each other towards Heaven.

Single and Frustrated

Being single can carry a lot of frustration, especially when you feel certain that you are called to marriage. It is important in a time like this to trust deeply in God. Also, it is important to make real efforts. Make an effort by meeting new people or signing up for Catholic Match. Strive to be the person you want to be. Grow in your faith; develop your spiritual life.