1.

The Guy You Date: Thinks about what you have to offer him. He loves you because you give him your undivided time and attention, you’re attractive, and you share common interests and hobbies like playing tennis or obsessing over Fall Out Boy. He is hoping you will be a good match for him.

The Guy You Marry: Thinks about what he has to offer you. He loves you because of who you are- he appreciates your quirks, your flaws and strange sense of humor, the way you snort when you laugh and read Charles Dickens every winter, and everything he’s come to know about you. He is hoping he will be a good husband for you.

2.

The Guy You Date: Is quick to become jealous when you’re around other guys. He gets angry easily, which often ends up in long, petty arguments. He is possessive over your time, and although that can be cute at times, it can also become just downright annoying.

The Guy You Marry: Places his trust in you, and gives you the benefit of the doubt. He tries to understand your point of view before asserting his own, and is willing to give you space when you need it. He is always open to talking things out, and continues to exercise patience that you may not always deserve.

3.

The Guy You Date: The guy you wear make-up for. You spend hours preparing for a date because you want to impress him. You want him to think you are pretty and you hope he will give you a kiss at the end of the night, reminding you that he’s yours.

The Guy You Marry: The guy who you are no longer self-conscious around. He tells you that you are beautiful with or without makeup, because he loves you for your heart, mind, and soul. You don’t need his kiss to affirm his affection, but he gives you one anyways, which still sends butterflies fluttering around inside your stomach.

4.

The Guy You Date: He’s a mystery. You like that he is a puzzle for you to solve, and you try to be enigmatic around him as well to keep him interested. You’re afraid that eventually, you may grow bored of each other.

The Guy You Marry: You know him like the back of your hand. You let down your guard around him because you feel comfortable with revealing all your secrets to him. Although there are times when you are bored out of your minds together, you are still happy just to be in each other’s company.

5.

The Guy You Date: The guy you have fun with; the guy you are with because you have feelings for him.

The Guy You Marry: The guy you have fun with, but also cry with, laugh with, fight with, love with, and will be with for the rest of your life. You have feelings for him, but you are not with him solely because of your emotions. You are with him because you will love him apart from how tired, depressed, or angry you feel. He understands that loving you denotes sacrificing his time, energy, and other aspirations, and is still more than willing to make the commitment. He loves you not with a selfish or envious love, but with a patient, enduring, humble, faithful and selfless one.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Discover the human element here.