By Mona Austin
“Dating is not playtime.” Singles, if you believe this and are still looking for your mate, the new Amazon Prime romantic comedy Relationship Goals—based on Pastor Mike Todd’s bestselling book—may offer the perspective you need to navigate single life with intention, boundaries, and faith.
The heart of the ministry and relationship advice from the book is thoughtfully woven into the film’s storyline. Starring Kelly Rowland (Leah) and Method Man (Jared), the story centers on two television news producers competing for a coveted showrunner position. To test whether they can truly work as a team, they’re assigned to co-produce a Valentine’s Day segment featuring Relationship Goals author Pastor Mike Todd and his wife, spotlighting the Godly approach to coupling. The nook is a real-life New York Times bestseller that challenges casual dating culture with biblical truth.
What makes the film resonate is its refusal to glamorize confusion, unintelligent emotions, or faithless romance. The Todds’ faith-based perspective cuts straight to the point: love requires maturity, patience, clarity, and a willingness to wait on God rather than rush into what merely feels good. Most of all, their advice emphasizes that a covenant with God before marriage can not be compromised for compatibility, crushes or deep connections.
These principles played out in the portrayal od the dating habits of Leah's best friends and co-workers. Their approach to relationship showed the complications of modern day dynamics. Traditional dating has been tossed aside by photo swipes and DMs online and "shacking up" during situationships has become normal. One friend is in a long time relationship living with her Internet approved baller boyfriend. The other dates casually with not prospect for a serious commitment.
The movie captures one of the man barriers to relationships -- fear. Whether is it fear of being hurt, fear of failure or fear of rejection
Method Man’s character, Jared, is pitch-perfect as the funny, slightly annoying, yet Harvard-educated man who has "good catch" stamped on his forehead. Rowland’s Leah is equally matchable but is also a woman guarding her heart , determined not to repeat old mistakes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and when Leah finally agrees to a date, raw attraction overpower her carefully set rules.
For believers, that tension is the message. "Relationship Goals" demonstrates that attraction alone is not confirmation, chemistry is not covenant, and compatibility without God at the center is incomplete. The film invites singles to reflect: Are you dating with intention—or just emotion? Are you guarding your heart—or surrendering it too quickly?
Lighthearted yet convicting, "Relationship Goals" is more than a rom-com. It’s a reminder that God's timing, values and cares about how we love, who we choose, and whether our relationships reflect His design. For Christian singles serious about marriage, this film affirms that waiting isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.