Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex

Picked this up after watching the YouTube series and I was not disappointed by how the message translated to print. Pastor Mike has a way of making complex spiritual concepts feel incredibly accessible, providing a modern manual for anyone navigating the dating scene or marriage. It's an easy read that focuses heavily on changing your mindset and putting God at the center of your connections. Personally, I found the practical guidance on intentionality to be a total game-changer for my current relationship. While he uses a lot of pop culture references that might feel a bit trendy for some, the core message about aligning our desires with God's word is clear. It’s inspirational and truly brought a blessing into my life during a season of confusion. I’d recommend this to anyone, whether you're single or have been married for a decade, because the principles of grace and purpose are universal.

Wow, this book was a breath of fresh air for my marriage! I’ve been looking for something that ties scripture into the everyday struggles of relationship building without being overly academic. Pastor Michael Todd delivers exactly that with a style that is both relatable and convicting. He speaks directly to this generation’s struggles, from the influence of social media to the baggage we carry from past hurts. Frankly, the way he explains that God is the author of our relationships really helped shift my perspective. It’s more than just a book about dating; it’s a guide for your soul. My husband and I read it together, and it sparked so many deep conversations we wouldn’t have had otherwise. This is a must-read for anyone looking to go deeper and truly understand their relationship with God through the lens of their human connections.

Ever wonder why Christian relationship books always feel like they were written forty years ago? This one is the complete opposite. Pastor Mike brings a modern, fresh energy that makes you actually want to keep reading. He breaks down the idea of 'relationship goals' by showing that our ultimate goal should be reflecting Christ’s love. The chapter on waiting was especially powerful for me, as it reframed a period of loneliness into a period of preparation. It’s rich with content and practical guidance that you can apply the second you put the book down. I’ve already bought copies for two of my friends who are struggling with their dating lives. It really helps you change your mindset and realize that your relationship with God is the foundation for everything else. Truly an inspirational read that feels like a timely manual for our current culture.

As someone who grew up in the church, I’ve heard countless talks on purity, but this book actually dives into the 'why' behind the 'don't.' Michael Todd’s conversational tone makes you feel like you're grabbing coffee with a mentor rather than sitting through a dry lecture. Truth is, some of the advice feels a bit basic if you’ve been a believer for a long time, and I wish there was more heavy scripture to back up certain claims about things like 'soul ties.' However, the focus on building a relationship with God first is so vital. It’s a quick read that challenges the stereotypical tropes of Christian dating. I appreciated how he addressed both men and women, though some of the Drake and Rihanna lyrics were a little cringe-worthy. Overall, it’s a solid resource for a generation that is constantly bombarded by secular ideas of romance.

Finally got around to reading this after a friend recommended it for my small group. It’s a helpful reminder that our relationship goals should be defined by the Creator, not by what we see on Instagram or in movies. Michael Todd uses a lot of colloquial language, which makes it very readable, even if it feels a little 'down' at times. In my experience, the most valuable part was the emphasis on becoming the right person rather than just finding the right person. I did find some of the theological points, like the discussion on marriage licenses versus covenants, to be a bit confusing and contradictory. Also, the warnings about sex were a bit reminiscent of old-school fire and brimstone sermons. Still, the practical tips for building a firm foundation are excellent. It's a great tool for shifting your mindset and seeking a blessing.

After hearing the 'Relationship Goals' series at church, I knew I needed the book to really digest the material. Mike Todd doesn’t disappoint with his conversational and casual tone. He makes you laugh while also stepping on your toes just enough to make you grow. Look, it’s not a perfect book—some of the sections on 'soul ties' aren't exactly grounded in clear scripture—but the overall message is incredibly edifying. I appreciated the balance of focus on both men and women’s needs, which is often missing in these types of books. It’s an easy read that helps you audit your life and see where you’ve been letting society dictate your values instead of the Bible. It might be a bit basic for some, but for those of us trying to unlearn toxic habits, it’s a great starting point. Definitely worth the time for a quick mindset shift.

Gotta say, the practical steps outlined here for dating with purpose are much needed in today’s world. Michael Todd avoids the usual dry 'rules' and instead focuses on the heart behind our actions. While I don't agree with every single take he has on marriage licenses and the covenant of sex, the general direction of the book is very positive. It provides a helpful framework for anyone trying to navigate the messy world of modern romance while staying true to their faith. The writing is simplistic and moves fast, which I liked. However, I do wish he had spent a bit more time diving into the scriptures rather than relying so much on personal anecdotes. To be fair, he’s a pastor, not a theologian, so his style is more about inspiration than deep study. It's a solid four-star read that offers a lot of grace.

The chapter on intentionality was exactly the wake-up call I needed for my current dating life. For too long, I was just 'drifting' without a clear vision of what God wanted for me. Pastor Michael Todd’s simplistic writing style makes it feel like he’s speaking right to you, which I really appreciated. Personally, I found the book to be a great resource for shifting my focus from finding the 'perfect' person to becoming a person who is submitted to God. There are some moments where the advice feels a bit like common sense, and the constant references to pop culture can be a bit much. But the core truth—that God knows how to make relationships work better than we do—is something I needed to hear. It’s a quick, easy read that brings a lot of light to the struggles many of us face.

To be fair, I have mixed feelings about this one despite the huge amount of hype it’s received online. On one hand, the writing style is very engaging and Mike Todd's personality shines through every page, making it feel authentic. On the other hand, it feels a bit like 'prosperity gospel' lite, where the focus is more on personal happiness and success than on the sacrificial nature of the cross. I was hoping for more deep biblical exegesis rather than just anecdotal evidence and pop culture references. The advice is decent for someone just starting their faith journey, but seasoned Christians might find the information a bit repetitive or shallow. It’s an easy read, but I would caution readers to keep their Bibles open while going through it to ensure everything aligns with scripture.

Not what I expected, but I can see why it appeals to a younger audience looking for direction. The book reads very much like a transcript of a sermon series, which means it’s high on energy but sometimes low on specific, nuanced detail. I struggled with some of the extreme assumptions made about gender roles and co-parenting, which felt a bit out of touch with modern realities. Not gonna lie, the secular song quotes felt out of place in a book that is supposed to be grounded in the Word. However, the core idea of pursuing God before pursuing a partner is a truth that can’t be stated enough. It's a quick read and provides some decent 'friend-to-friend' advice, but don't expect a deep theological dive. It’s fine for a surface-level check-in, but I’d look elsewhere for more robust biblical study.