How to fight off liking a guy // Part 1

Ok, so a reader, to my excitement, took the time to request a few posts. This was one, and when she mentioned it I suddenly realised that, guess what? I hadn't actually a done a post with some of my how-to for fighting off liking a guy. Oh yes, I've suggested things for a myriad of other topics, and I say (or imply) multiple times that you should fight of liking a guy, but Oh my goodness, I've not actually done a post about it. (I have said some stuff in the "My thoughts specifically on crushes" page, but that actually needs a bit of revision, so here's the first step with that.) So thank you, dear reader, and here is part 1 of your answer.

The Basics

1. I can't tell you how. Yup, you're probably familiar with this kind of answer now. There is no cookie-cutter method. This is an individual journey, and each one is different. Besides that, you learn more and more each time (that's right, fighting off liking one guy isn't a life-time cure!). So in the following points I will suggest things I've found helpful, but I don't promise a perfect cure-all!
2. Acknowledge it. I think one of the most important things in this process, and certainly the foundational step, is to be self-aware. Eavesdrop on your thoughts, pay attention to your emotions. No, I'm not saying that we are purely 'natural' creatures or that we can't resist our body's processes, but don't write off anything you're feeling! Be conscious of yourself, and acknowledge what you're feeling. (Note: this is a growing process! You learn to observe and acknowledge yourself better through experience.)
3. Pray and submit. When you realise that you're drifting towards liking a guy, your thoughts are wandering off course, you're getting distracted, you get a jolt of adrenaline whenever you hear of a certain guy, or whatever, drop to your knees! This step only comes second because you can't do it without acknowledging first. It is of utmost importance. Talk to God; let Him know what you're feeling, and submit it all to Him. Give over your heart, your mind, your feelings, your attention.
4. Fight to stay close to God. The whole reason we fight off liking guys is because it distracts us from God and our true purpose - to glorify Him. God is so much better than any guy, and that's why we choose to focus on Him. Remember that! Fight for it! Refuse to be swayed! Actively pursue God!
5. Choose to fight it. This is a choice. It won't be easy. It will probably be frustrating. It may take a short time, or it might take a long time. But whatever the cost, choose to fight! Make a stand!

Notice/Focus

 This is something I've been thinking recently. The meaning? It's OK to notice Godly guys. It's OK to admire them. But it's not OK to focus on them. Our focus must be on God. We can use guys as a spring-board to God ("Oh, that's sweet... Lord, thank you for your kindness to me"). That's something I'll be working on more. Join me?

Cassie xoxoxo

Tarnished Love

Photo credit to THOR and Flickr Creative Commons

My brother and I were flicking channels tonight, and came across The Bachelor. Now I'd heard of this show before, and guessed it was probably some faulty search of a guy for his 'true love.' Well, tonight I actually paused to watch it for a few minutes. Turns out, I'd guessed right. One bachelor looking for love, a pile of single gals dying to win his affections. By the time I'd watched less than 15 minutes, I had disgust coursing through me as steadily as my blood. I feel like yelling, "What????!!!! WHY???!!!!"

 How sick is our world? I am appalled and saddened once again as I see how far we have fallen. We have destroyed the meaning of love. Love is sticking 25 swooning girls on a TV show to compete for the heart of a man who's willing to lead every single one on emotionally so he can find his 'soul mate?' Love is letting each one stare into his eyes, go deep, rival each other so they can say "he's mine?" I don't think so! How tarnished is that version of love! It makes me angry, it makes me deeply sad, it makes me sick in the pit of my stomach. How can we?!

 It also makes me incredibly thankful for Love. For God, who entered my life and the lives of so many others, and taught me "this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we aught to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16.) "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1.) I am sick because I know something so much better. And that is... unspeakably awesome.

Cassie xoxoxox

P.S. Please note, I mean no disrespect to the producers or participants of The Bachelor. I'm not blaming them for anything. As my friend always says, why should they hold to my standards since they aren't Christians? All I want to say is, as a Christian, how appalled I am at our culture; thought I started with The Bachelor, I'm stepping back and looking at the general idea of this 'love' as simply one example of our world's mixed-up mindset.