It’s coming into the holiday season 🙂 and all the single people are looking to couple up. High school sweethearts are going to homecoming, and single professionals are on dating apps. Love is truly what binds us together… and makes life meaningful. We all have a natural desire that longs to show love as well as receive it. The love to glance upon beauty, the love to listen to inspiring music, the love to hear the words, “I love you“…. so why is it so hard for many people to commit to do it, if everyone needs it?

It’s because a committed type of love isn’t free… it costs you something.

There is a price you have to pay in order to commit to anything. I often overhear single women say, “Men don’t like to commit.” or their boyfriend doesn’t want to commit; and though some would argue, it is vice versa as there are women who don’t want to commit, or fear commitment in general with regards to dating and relationships.

Who can forget the images of young people protesting signs ‘Love Not War’ in the 60’s… I can’t. It was the birth of the hippie culture, where love is free without the need for commitment. But, the truth is love isn’t free, and there is a tangible price associated with committing to love someone.

After reading a devotional a few days ago I received some wisdom, when thinking about making a commitment. Here are a few tangible costs or sacrifices we have to pay when entering into a committed relationship.

7 Costs

1. Change of Lifestyle – I’m thinking of the lyrics of Marvin Gaye’s “After the Dance”. All to say, if I really want to be with someone, I’m going to have to leave my comfort zone.
2. Loneliness – Many times when we follow our hearts and step out, we step out alone at first.
3. Faith – You have to trust yourself that you made the right decision and trust that God is with you, even when it seems as if no one else supports you.
4. Criticism – People will question your motives and ability to be in a committed relationship. You have to be prepared to endure that & honestly answer those questions. And, it’s OK if you don’t have all the answers. Let me tell you a secret, no one has all the answers. In life we all learn as we go.
5. Financially secure – It takes money to live. You have to be able to make sacrifices financially.
6. Self-Discipline – Having a consistent daily routine or regimen will help to create normalcy, so when tough times come you can focus, maintain your emotions, and have peace of mind so you can make rational decisions.
7. Courage – It’s not easy to walk into something new. Fear of rejection causes so many people to miss out on real love. Just think… even if you married the richest most beautiful person, you still would have to endure the pressure of potential failure.

Do you have enough to pay for it? Commitment isn’t free… but, it’s worth it in the long-term. Make love. Make memories. Live life.