The ABC'S of Successful Relationship Development

The purpose of this is to help young Latter-Day Saints be successful in finding an eternal companion.

A- Awareness of or Acquaintance with another person
B- Buildup of relationship
C- Continuation following Commitment to a long-term relationship
D- Determination or Decline in the interdependence of the couple
E- Ending of the relationship 

The phases are not always sequential, some relationships will go through all five of these phases. 

 President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "This will be the most important decision of your life, the individual whom you 

marry." 

Preparing for Success

President Thomas S. Monson noted, "Decisions determine destiny. That is why is is worthwhile to look ahead, to set a course, to be at least partly ready when the moment of decision comes." 

Commitment and Continuation into a Successful Eternal Marriage

When we are seeking spiritual confirmation we need to consider these 3 points,

1. President Boyd K. Packer reminds us that if we "desire the inspiration of the Lord in this crucial decision we must live the standards of the church."
2. Elder Bruce R. McConkie notes that we need to understand the balance between agency and inspiration. He says, "We're supposed to learn correct principles and then govern ourselves. We make our own choices , and then present the matter to the Lord and get his approving ratifying seal."
3. We must believe that the Lord answers such petitions. Some people expect this conformation to come in a powerful way, but the typical workings of the spirit are a still, small voice that whispers truth to our hearts and minds.