Uphold proper relationship standards before marriage – Counsellor

A certified counsellor, Anthony Kwame Gligah, has urged young people to uphold proper standards in relationships before marriage, in honour of both God and their parents.

Speaking at a 3-day National Youth Camp organised by Faith Evangelical Mission Worldwide in Accra, Mr. Gligah, also known as Counsellor Tony, encouraged the youth to aim for higher standards in their relationships, learning from the mistakes of previous generations.

He specifically advised young women against moving in with men they are dating but not yet married to, warning that such actions violate biblical principles and could lead to regret.

“Relationship is not marriage or cohabitation. Listen, if you are in a relationship, don’t pack your things and go and stay with the guy. Don’t go and stay in his room; don’t go and be washing his clothes. Don’t lower the bar for those guys,” he said.

“Your parents are there. You lived in a room before they met you. Don’t belittle yourself. Don’t become a fool,” he added, cautioning that even though living with a partner might seem convenient or ease financial burdens, it could lead to negative outcomes.

Mr. Gligah also advised against using sex as a way to maintain relationships, warning that such an approach is ineffective and counterproductive.

“Don’t give sex. It won’t keep anybody. It won’t keep the relationship; it won’t keep the guy. He will move on. Guys are adventurous; they want to enter everywhere, they want to see everywhere, they want to pull down everything,” he cautioned.

He stressed the importance of observing a partner’s behaviour during dating, explaining that undesirable traits in a relationship will only intensify in marriage.

“Marriage amplifies what you see in a relationship. The things that you see in a relationship; in the marriage, it will be amplified to you. You will get double-double of it,” he stated.

The counsellor underscored the significance of recognising red flags, such as physical abuse or disrespect, as early warning signs of what might be amplified in marriage.

The 3-day camp, themed “Stand,” which commenced on August 29th, featured a range of activities including Bible teachings, educational talks, job-seeking guidance, work ethics, financial literacy sessions, and sporting activities.