Read the fine print

When it comes to forming relationships, read the fine print. Somewhere in the fine print of meeting, dating, and interacting with someone, it warned you, albeit ever-so-slightly, that they were going to be a certain way. The red flags were always there, even though they started out as a lovely shade of pink. You saw how quickly he got angry. You knew she was always late when you picked her up. He invariably went into a panic checking every line item on the restaurant bill. She never failed to flirt with the waiter—and anyone else who looked her way. You noticed, but you didn’t listen to the little voice inside of you. Poet Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time!” Before you order something, read the fine print to make sure you can afford the payments. Maybe the fine print became obvious when you saw how he interacted with his family—or didn’t! Maybe it was in the way his eyes lingered on every woman who walked by. Or in the phone calls she took out of earshot when you were around. Chances are you saw it, but you didn’t pay attention. You overlooked the temper tantrums, the possessiveness, the jealousy, and the lack of integrity, thinking you could change them or that they would change for you. Now you know better. There’s a reason the Bible asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Yes, the God who gives “beauty for ashes” can change your partner’s heart (see Isaiah 61:3). But if you’re dating or considering a long-term relationship, pray about it and read the fine print.