....”finding that combined with the above qualities of what I consider a good marriage feels like looking for a four-leaf clover.....
I am smiling at your post as I recall a young man years ago who could have written this as well. He prayed daily for the women he would one day marry, even before meeting her. For her protection, for wisdom and all which he believed she would need until God brought her into his path.
Of course that did happen, (they both voluntered for a church camp for kids), and no it wasn’t love at first sight....but the environment they were in was conducive to get to know each other just for the work they each did there. He liked her, she liked him....and you can guess how the story went from there.
Today he has family with three children, a happy home and they could not be happier.
God knows where she is...so you keep looking where good women may be found and he will arrange the meeting.
Well I have read this thread with real sorrow, pain and sadness. January 5th I lost my Husband of 53 plus years, He was my Best Friend, I was 17 and he was 20 our Parents had to sign for us to get Married. After 3 years He was drafted and I followed him the first year, then Viet Nam. I moved home with Mom and Dad. He returned and We left the City and moved to a Rural area and there Had 2 wonderful Daughters, and 7 Wonderful Grandchildren of whom we adore. Our Daughters and their Husbands have been a Great strength to me since their Father Passed. So you see it is hard for me to understand the pain and sorrow Marriage has brought to so many, it really is a wonderful Joyous thing when you make God the head of your Home.
I think you have hit on a HUGE factor there. The whole dating scene encourages deceit.
You CANNOT get to know someone, what they are really like, from simply going out on dates where you are on your best behavior, look your best, don't encounter any real life situations that show how the other person is going to react, etc.
Best to keep an eye on those you are friends with and see what happens from there.
I know with my kids, watching them in their 20's, there is far more openness among girls and guys than has been in the past, and they are more likely to hang out in non-dating social situations, as friends, rather than girlfriend/boyfriend.
My son is married already and my younger daughter is very interested in marrying but sees that the field is not populated with very many responsible men.
God gives His children special gifts. Yours is a sweet and encouraging nature. It was a pleasure reading your lovely post. Thanks.