I’ve been dating a girl I met on a dating site since July last year but officially in a relationship with her since December.
I knew from when we started dating that she is a devoted Christian however I’m not from a religious background or family however there was something about her that wanted me to keep seeing her.
Logically you would think dating this girl would be bit advised due to religious differences, but from the minute we met we hit it off and I always look forward to seeing each other, spending time with her and we make each other laugh a lot, she’s caring, the list goes on. Overall it’s really great being in a relationship with her!
During Easter she raised the point that she was planning to go to church and I offered to go with her. Her reaction was of sheer joy and happiness I offered to go with her.
Since then I’ve been to a couple of services with her and if I’m honest..I felt a bit uncomfortable. There were people raising their arms up in the air and chanting which I’m not used to and made me feel uneasy. Btw, I’m not here to condone religion or Christianity it’s just something I’m not used to in my life.
The situation just hit me last weekend that this might be a serious issue for our relationship unless I am able to accept this. which is tragic as everything else is really great.
As worship is important to her I want to be a part of it too but I’m finding it difficult for me to see me being to do it long term. I hope I can change.
I’m not sure what to do at this point
TL-DR; Myself [M37] have been dating a girl [F33] who is a christian and I am not from a religious background. All is well with the relationship itself but I am worried if the relationship will continue if I don’t follow her
Comments
People have navigate interfaith relationships all the time, it just takes open communication and finding out how the rest of your values and goals align along with mutual respect/understandinh
It requires clear communication, especially with regard to how children will be raised. People who don’t care much for years can suddenly feel a pull to tradition and religion when kids come along – readily available community of shared values.
As a formerly very religious person who got out, I say don’t do it. If you have kids this will be a constant fight about whether to let them go to church etc. religious people who date non believers are often pressured to bring them into the fold. Do you think she’d be ok with a non church wedding? If it’s so important to her, she is probably hoping you will join one day.
It sounds like she might be Pentecostal. It is important to discuss with her that you don’t plan to become Christian yourself. At this point it may be worth talking in general about what you feel comfortable with when it comes to future children. You don’t want to waste your time on a doomed relationship.
If she is religious, run far away🏃♂️➡️🏃♂️➡️