Steve_Potato

I set the rule for myself because I didn't want any distractions on my mission. I'm concerned though because even though we're not officiant dating, she's one of the first things I think about in the morning, usually the last thing I think about at night, and in between I'm usually trying to come up with excuses to talk to her. We've openly said that once we're back from our missions, we'll give things a real try, and I'm worried that might be a bad idea to say that Can it be just as bad to want to be in a relationship as to actually be in it. Matthew 5 says to look upon a woman and lust after her is the same as committing adultery in your heart, and since the issue with relationships (in regards to distracting on a mission) is the heart, could this relationship I have with this girl be a distraction? Just to be clear, there is no lusting or anything like that going on, I'm not that kind of guy, she's not that kind of girl, but I'm still slightly torn between risking not giving 100% to the Lord, and risking messing things up with my best friend

It's a little late to protect the heart completely.I'm not worried about immorality, I'm not that kind of guy, she's not that kind of girl (I realize most people say stuff like that, but it's just not an issue). When I promised myself I'd wait until after my mission to get involved with girls, it was to avoid distractions, and that's what she's becoming. The real question is: is it enough to just not act like you're in a relationship, or have you already crossed the line once you start feeling like you are? The Lord comes first, but I really don't want to mess things up with my best friend.

I'm 18 and preparing to serve a mission. I knew I didn't want to get in a serious relationship because I wanted my focus to be entirely on serving the Lord. I had a friend though that also had plans to serve a mission, and a rule about not dating seriously before then. I thought, "where's the harm in going on a date or two with her?". Eventuality I grew to really like her, and she found out and told me she likes me back. Neither of us are willing to break our rules that prohibit exclusive dating, but we don't know what to do. This is a place to post all opinions about steady relationships before a mission (or college for those that won't go on one), but I'd appreciate any advice on my specific situation.