Q. I'm tired of hearing about love all the time. I guess that's because nothing romantic has ever worked out for me. Girls are always telling me what a great friend I am, but no one ever seems interested in being more than friends. I would give just about anything to not even want a girlfriend or a wife someday. Why can't I just be happy with God's eternal, unconditional love? Shouldn't that be enough?

A. If you read the first chapters of Genesis, you'll find the answer to your question. Adam had God's company, but nevertheless something was lacking. God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18, NIV). The Creator designed us for human companionship. Something deep inside us longs for the partnership of the opposite sex.

At the same time, we don't live in the Garden of Eden. Relationships are difficult. We don't often get exactly what we long for. Most people experience struggle and loneliness, at least at times. You are certainly not the only one.

Still, good things can come out of those times of struggle and loneliness—like maturity, patience and hope. This is what Paul explains in Romans 5:3-4: "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (NIV). For you, the challenge is to hang in there, not to become bitter and hopeless.

I encourage you to resist the temptation to be bitter. Keep your sense of humor and maintain a positive outlook. Don't let your disappointment ruin friendships. Be grateful that people call you a great friend!

It's likely you'll find love someday. And if you don't find that kind of love? Then God can provide other joys. You can count on him to take care of you. That's fundamentally what this discussion comes to: trusting him, whether or not things turn out the way you plan.

Due to the volume of mail, Tim cannot answer every letter.

Read more from 'Love, Sex & Dating'

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