Friend has 1st boyfriend

[aball1035]

My friend recently got her 1st boyfriend and everybody’s congratulating her on it-except me. Were in college and frankly, she just wanted a boyfriend because she feels the social pressure to get one-but she honestly does like the boy-he is a nice guy. I’m the only one not sure what to say about it because she’s already been “too far” with him and neither are Catholics nor intend to have a pure relationship. She tells me that if I have a girlfriend, why can’t she have a boyfriend? The answer to this is that in my relationship, we intend on getting married, and having a pure, God-fearing relationship in which we both make each other stronger in the Faith.

I’m hesitant to congratulate her or promote this because it will only lead them both into sin (and it has already).

What should my Catholic actions be around them?

 

[EnchantedEve]

This is tough.

The fact she has a boyfriend is not necessarily wrong. However, in this case it does seem to lead to destructive behaviour, but she is an adult, and not being of the Faith, you can only do so much. I will recommend you do what I do in these cases. Tell her you hope that all goes well and that the best result occur, whatever they may be. Never shrink, though, from giving advice and sharing your values. You will come to find that, perhaps not now, but in time she will come to learn that what you are suggesting is the wisest course. If she does not, than she is determined to carry on her downward spiral and all you can do is be close enough to help when she is ready, but not get wrapped up so that you too end up in the mess. If you interfere too much, she will blame your interference and never realize her errors. Being a good friend means knowing when to push and when to let go.

Hope God guides you in this.