That’s right. We know that the church isn’t the most popular source for relationship advice among young adults today. But the church does have a lot to say about the matter—and believe it or not, it’s not all about sin. The following articles deal with the messy reality of love, sex, dating, and marriage. There’s something for everybody here, whether you are…
…Just looking for someone to have a good time with.
Sex, lies, and hook-up culture
Don’t believe all your friends tell you about sleeping around. College kids tell Donna Freitas that they don’t actually like hook-up culture.
5 questions with Donna Freitas
For parents: Intimate conversations: How to talk to your kids about sex
…Looking for “the one.”
Only you? Shattering the myth of the soul mate
Christine Whelan suggests a better way to go about finding a future spouse: stop looking.
Don’t wait for marriage
Start searching for your spouse early, advises John Van Epp, but many readers have their own dating advice in this Sounding Board survey.
Must love God
Have you searched online? Christina Capecchi reports on how the Internet is changing the way we find love.
…Living in sin.
A Betrothal proposal
The church says “stop it,” but two family ministry researchers wonder whether a long-lost tradition could bring cohabitating Catholics and the church back together.
…Tying the knot.
First comes love…
Take advantage of what the church offers engaged couples, even if your path to the altar doesn’t follow the ideal. Heather Grennan Gary reports on what young couples make of marriage-for better or worse.
Is marriage on the rocks?
Worried about divorce? You might want to listen to the church’s time-tested teachings. They have helped some couples survive the rough patches.
…Already hitched.
Check out our marriage section for more articles on maintaining a happy, loving relationship.
(Image credit: Flickr/Annstheclaf)
FORUM:
As Catholics, we know that there’s a lot more to love than romance. How do you show your love for those around you—family, friends, foes, or strangers? Tell us about your plans for Valentine’s Day, describe what love means to you as a Catholic, or simply share your favorite quote about love. You can leave a comment below or e-mail us a reflection for a guest blog post.
