Especially when it comes to a partner, about how to combine faith with personal life. I thought for a long time whether it was worth touching on this topic at all, because each person decides for himself how to build his relationship with God. But at the same time, I cannot ignore this topic, because it is very important for me personally.

As a Catholic, I often encountered many questions about the fact that my understanding of faith does not always coincide with how others view it. Sometimes this leads to misunderstandings, sometimes even to condemnation. But faith is not something external that can be imposed or from which you can turn away if you are not in the mood. Faith is something that you choose. And no one has the right to condemn this choice.

I was talking to a friend who is not as religious as I am. We were discussing the future, and I noticed how important it is for me that my partner respects my faith. This does not mean that I want him to be a perfect Catholic or go to church every Sunday - no. But if he is ready to talk about it, to understand that it is important for me to pray, go to church, follow traditions - for me this is already a sign that there is respect between us.

I have always believed that faith in God is not just a set of rituals or regular church attendance. It is much deeper. It is inner harmony, the understanding that you are not alone in this world, that there is something greater than ourselves. And, perhaps, it is important for your partner to respect this, even if he does not share your beliefs. After all, love, like faith, should have no boundaries, and it cannot be measured by religious beliefs. It is important to understand each other, support each other in difficult times and be ready to experience both bright and dark moments of life together.

I was lucky that I always had people around me who didn’t try to change me. Even if they didn’t share my faith, they accepted it as a part of me. And perhaps this is also one of the things that makes relationships strong. We, people, are different. And if you don’t want to be with someone who shares your beliefs, you won’t. But if you want your union to be real and sincere, you will find ways to respect the differences.

I know that there are situations when we meet people who begin to impose their beliefs. It’s difficult. Especially when all these conversations turn into arguments, and you understand that your world is completely different. But, as with other differences, it is important not to judge, but to respect the other person’s choice.

When you are in a relationship, the most important moments are not what views you have on religion, but how you can support each other, how to cope with difficulties together. In the end, even if you two don't share the same understanding of faith, but you are sincere and care about each other, there is something sacred in this. We are all different, and this is the beauty of human relationships.

Give the person a chance.

For me, faith is not a dogma, but a personal connection with God, and I believe that each of us has the right to choose how to go along this path. The main thing is not to forget that love and respect are higher than any differences.

Lana Banana