Hi Sam,

It’s safe to say that your post is filled with a lot of what I am mostly afraid of… falling in love with someone who I ultimately could never raise a family with or move forward with in a meaningful way. Those are very real circumstances that could arise between our relationship. However, there is a part of me that is instinctively telling me to move forward. As a believer that God has a strong hand and influence on the things in my life, I feel that he has put this man in front of me. To find love or to test my faith, that I am not sure of in this moment. But what I will say is that this man doesn’t give me the “rolling his eyes” at my Christianity feeling at all. When we spoke about it he remained respectful and even if he was treading on territory I didn’t like I told him and he quickly and earnestly apologized. I think there is something to be said about him through that. What I’m trying to say is right now it doesn’t feel like I’m making a choice between the two, it feels more like I am letting go of fear and living in a vulnerable but honest place in search for love.

I thank you so much for sharing your story with me and it has given me so much to think about. I would never want to feel as though I am risking my religion for a romantic relationship, and you have given me some ways to tell if I am and some guidance. I hope only the best for you.