The Dating Rules: Rule #9 See the sea and appreciate the bubble.

Here's one thing you hear a lot of singles say, “there are plenty of fish in the sea," and I don't necessarily dispute. However, there is a balance lesson here. That phrase is usually accompanied by other excuses to stop dating the guy/girl that is otherwise perfectly fine for you. This is a good description of someone who is trying to break free of their bubble. But the bubble is so underestimated. I believe that it's completely possible that someone may be in your life for a reason. It is totally conceivable that God could place someone in your life setting you up for a healthy relationship and happy future together. This person in your path is compatible with you and on the same life-path. They may seem all too close to home, but the fact that they understand "home," live near "home," and have similar beliefs with those at "home" can be a huge plus in the long run. Unfortunately they may get overlooked and under-rated by someone whose heart can’t be settled, (note: huge difference between that and "settling" ). The only way to avoid this loss is to stop running from commitment, and start appreciating the bubble.

       Now, here’s the HUGE difference! Appreciating the bubble is not limiting your possible love interests to those that are convenient and convenient alone. You can appreciate the people who are a constant and significant part of your life, but you cannot see them as the best simply because they are the easiest to get close to. You have to see the sea. No, I don’t mean see the entire sea as potential; however, do open your eyes to the possibility that God has someone out there for you who is worth waiting for. Don’t rush if you already know that it’s really not right. And the worst thing you can do is expect someone to become the person you deserve, instead of knowing you deserve that person to be whole apart from you. Believing alone won’t get the other fish to coincidently pop into your bubble. You need to at least have a window open, if not get your bubble remodeled to include some different areas. For example, never taken a dance class before? Why not now? Stop being so shy that you make you and your bubble turn invisible and no one can ever see you through it.

To restate the point, have a good balance and understanding of the potential in the world around you as well as the potential in the world you’re in. In other words, see the sea and appreciate the bubble.