What happens when a romantic relationship goes wrong? In many cases, girls and women cling to these bad romances by telling themselves the bad excuses below.

If you want to help your kids build healthier relationships, take a look at author Dani Miser's list of "The Top 10 Excuses You Make to Stay in a Bad Relationship," which are accompanied by biblical insights.

The excuses are adapted from Miser's new book, Single Woman Seeks Perfect Man: Facing the Consequences of Unhealthy Relationships (Deep River Books, 2010).

The Top 10 Excuses You Make to Stay in a Bad Relationship and the Reason Why You Should Stop Making Them

 

Excuse #1: I'd rather settle for him than be alone.

What's wrong with being single? You're not alone (Heb. 13:5). For real! Christians, you are totally complete in Christ, lacking nothing (Col. 4:12)! If you are settling for an unhealthy relationship just to have a warm body near, you are missing the amazing indescribable intimacy God offers you; He will continue to politely step aside as you choose to accept less (Ps. 25:16). Seek to be complete in Him (Prov. 8:17) first, and ditch this excuse before you miss the one He has purposed for you to marry (Ps. 139:16)! Give God a chance, for He is your provider (2 Cor. 9:8) and is able to do abundantly above all that you could possibly ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20)!

"…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).

 

Excuse #2: I'm Comfortable

Is change something that makes you cringe? Are you stringing a relationship along primarily because it has benefits? Money? Companionship? Image? Physical Intimacy? Fun? Nice, familiar routine? Let's face it: We all temporarily have turned to everything from shopping to food for fulfillment. Things…even relationships with benefits never can truly satisfy (Col. 3:2). They are shallow tools the enemy offers, convincing you to wear a mask of contentment (John 10:10; 1 Pet. 5:8). By faith, step out of the known to grasp the true and amazing unexplainable peace and joy (Isa. 55:12) God offers to those who choose to trust in Him alone to meet all their needs (Prov. 3:5)!