Is there a difference between dating a person on my spiritual path and someone who is not?

The best answer is a question: Are two different Souls the same?

Naturally, not. What, then, does someone following a spiritual path such as Eckankar look for in a date? Can you respect her beliefs and feelings? Does she respect yours? Are you a better, happier person in her company?

A light friendship is fairly easy to deal with, but when a special woman brings thoughts of marriage or a lasting relationship, look carefully at her family, her education, her plans for a family, her housekeeping habits, her handling of money. Are they like yours?

New love overlooks a lot of shortcomings, like a partner who spends more than she earns. But what happens when the debts pile up and a baby is suddenly on the way? Where is the money for doctor bills? Problems like these can make for two very unhappy people.

No matter how great your love for each other, things will always tug at its seams. The song of love is sung through respect and thoughtfulness for each other. They are the best assurance of a gracious and loving bond for years to come.

(from Youth Ask a Modern Prophet about Life, Love, and God, pp. 37–38)