Is It Selling Out to Marry Someone I’m Not Infatuated With?
By Debra K. Fileta, M.A., LPC
I’ve been dating this wonderful girl for about two months now. She has everything that I’m looking for, including my core values (born again, conservative, doesn’t drink, wants to strive for purity, etc.) And she is gorgeous! What I don’t understand is, why don’t I get that “feeling” that I get just from looking at other girls whom I’ve never met before? How important is that “head-over-heels feeling” when you first start dating someone? If you don’t start feeling it after the first few months of dating, does that signal a problem, even if the relationship is going well?
Once upon a time, I got this loaded question in my inbox. Interestingly enough, I’ve also received hundreds of other questions that echo this very same concern, but worded in different ways:
What if I’m not feeling “butterflies” when we’re together?
What if my feelings of infatuation aren’t always strong?
How much sexual chemistry do I need to have in order to pursue someone romantically?
To these questions, I would start by stressing the difference between “feelings” and “attraction”. Let’s start off with some basic definitions:
Head-over-heels feeling: an exaggerated response to seeing, interacting with, or being in the presence of someone of the opposite sex; a feeling of euphoria, stomach-dropping, or nervous energy associated with positive regard.
Attraction: the response of being drawn to someone physically, mentally, and emotionally; possessing a strong desire to be with a particular individual, longing for connection, investment, and intimacy.
To this young man, I would start by stressing the difference between “head-over-heel feelings”, and attraction. When it comes to feeling chemistry in a relationship, often times our bodies have a natural response to certain individuals or even specific situations. But the presence of those particular feelings doesn’t actually mean we’ve found the right relationship. Add to that the influence of our entertainment and media — sexual images, pornography, and over-the-top emotional storylines featuring lust and infatuation — and we’re sure to have unrealistic expectations in the real world of relationships.
The most interesting thing I’ve observed about that “head-over-heels” feeling we tend to talk about is that often times, it’s rooted in our body’s “anxious response”. The same physiological system that is triggered when we’re feeling anxious or in danger (the sympathetic system) tends to also be aroused when we’re feeling infatuation. It’s the stomach-sinking, heart-racing, sweat-producing, mouth-drying, adrenaline rush of encountering the unknown. It’s a natural response that exciting infatuation that comes with the novelty of something new and mysterious. But ironically, it can also be a symptom of fear.
And the truth is, just because you’re drawn to someone, doesn’t mean they’re good for you.
THERE’S MORE TO FOREVER THAN FEELINGS
How long will it take us to learn that feelings can’t be trusted? They may help point us in the right direction, but they should NEVER be the sole foundation on which an entire relationship is based. Because at the end of the day, feelings come- and then feelings go. Those who build their relationships on the foundation of “feeling” will find that when the rain comes- their love quickly crumbles.
All over the world there are Christian young men and women waiting for that magical moment when they will come face to face and eye to eye with the person that will stir their heart and connect deeply with their soul. For the one who will complete them and make them whole.
There is no such thing as a person who will complete our souls, because according to God’s word, we are only made complete in Him.
Healthy relationships begin by understanding this completeness. They are based on positive interactions, effective communication, and an emotional give-and-take with another human being that reflects health and wholeness. They are founded in faith, rooted in good choices, and grounded in hard work and a whole lot of grace.
Don’t get me wrong- healthy relationships will always come with an abundance of healthy feelings, passion, and romance- but they may not always start with those emotions.
ATTRACTION TRUMPS INFATUATION
If you’re waiting to meet that person that will trigger some sort of magical moment inside of you that will dub them as “the one”, there’s a good chance you’ll be waiting for a long, long time. Instead, do yourself a favor and begin to make connections with the people God has placed in your life. Get to know yourself, and then get to know people of the opposite sex who have the qualities you are looking for in a future mate.
Look for qualities of healthy attraction: the mutual drawing of two people to one another. Find someone with whom you connect with on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level, because the strings of attraction in those important areas are the things that hold a relationship together. Like the young man above, when you’ve found a relationship that has “everything you’re looking for”, don’t get bogged down if the chemistry isn’t as strong as you imagined it to be. Relationships that are founded on attraction instead of simply infatuation, will draw you deeper into the relationship and keep you excited about the things to come.
Don’t freak out if the feelings aren’t magical or mystical, because frankly, they were never intended to be. While some couples may have that instant connection or experience, most couples find that both their feelings and their level of attraction for one another grows with every step of the way.
Look for qualities, traits and characteristics that are attractive based on the things you know you need and want in a relationship. Take it one step at a time, and be assured that in a right relationship, feelings will always be present, but they can never be the foundation of a healthy relationship.
True love is based on a healthy combination of facts and feelings, and a whole lot of good choices. May God give you the wisdom to choose well.
Debra Fileta is a Professional Counselor, speaker, and author of the book True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life as well as the 21-Days To JumpStart Your Love-Life Program, where she writes candidly about dating, relationships, and how to find true love. You may also recognize her voice from her 100+ articles at Relevant Magazine or Crosswalk.com! She’s also the creator of the True Love Dates Blog! Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter!
John says
A few years ago I was talking to some friends at church about my strong desire to marry and my dating. They told me, “John in marriage looks don’t really matter.” I said “Oh really? Than you don’t mind if I go over to your wife and tell her, when you married her, her looks didn’t really matter”. They very quickly told me, “John don’t do that. Sorry I was wrong.” This happened a couple of times. Everyone has the type they are attracted to. If there’s no real attraction, don’t marry them, just to fill your desire.
Annonymous says
I cannot agree more strongly to this text. Let me share my story. I was born again at age 14 but since my early puberty always struggled with same sex attractions. I prayed over and over to be freed, but the attractions were always still there even though no one knew about them and I didn’t act out on them with anyone. At my late twenties, I had an experience with God where I finally understood that those attractions were simply not my true self, my true identity in Christ. I mustered courage to tell my pastors, who accepted me and helped me a lot and encouraged me, prayed with me etc. One day I learned that a girl from church (who then knew nothing about my problems) was interested in me. I sought counsel with my pastors. She was a leader in the church… I wondered if the pastors would bless a relationship with her, knowing about my problems. I was surprised by the pastor’s response – he said to go for it, that I should not date an immature girl but to go for a mature one!!!! Still, the same sex attractions were there. I went to her and asked her out, we started dating and still no passion, no feelings, but we had the same values – she was born again, we had the same profession, same cultural level etc and she was madly in love with me. In due time I told her about my homossexual problems, but expressed faith we could work things out sexually. She was afraid, but kept the relationship with me. It was by no means easy, I trembled inside afraid we wouldn’t be able to consummate our marriage. Well, to my surprise, one day I started to feel really attracted to her sexually, to the point that we had to decide to have no physical contact such as kissing in the mouth and the like, for otherwise things could go out of control. I discovered that though I wasn’t attracted to her visually, I could get excited by touch. To make a long story short, we got married both virgins, and our sex life and marriage have been good. God gave us four children (three alive) and my same sex attractions, though still there, have become weaker and weaker and my love and attraction to her stronger and stronger. This year we cellebrated our 22nd anniversary. Few people (very few) know about my past, we now live in another state, but our marriage is considered an “example” by our church leadership. I share this to show that feelings are definitely NOT the most important factor, but other things like belonging to God, core values shared, sanctification and faith, these really do make a difference. And to show that God really does free people from homossexual attractions, even though it may take a long time.
m says
Wow, what a story! Thanks for sharing, this story has helped me learn too. thank you and God bless you and your family!
Kate says
Thanks for this post. It affirmed a lot of observations from my own marriage.
Victoria says
Wise words! Moths are attracted to flames too. I would rather find someone who starts off as a simmer and over time, heats up to a full boil. That will last much longer. 🙂
Love the new profile pic too, Gary!