The phrase "ring by spring" is used to describe students' desire to find a partner and become engaged before they graduate college. From where does this pressure come? Who is most impacted? What are the consequences of this culture? This book begins to explore this complicated dynamic that is unique to Christian colleges by describing the experiences of Christian college students and alumni. The author provides additional thoughts on how to support students overwhelmed by this culture, and how to foster positive relationships of all kinds on college campuses that too often make romantic relationships too serious too quickly.

You will enjoy this story about a Persian cat named Shireen and all of her little cat and dog friends. Excerpt: "Fresh Arrival (looking astonished): "My name is Cracker. My breed is the Airedale terrier. I come from Yorkshire. I have fought and slain an otter single-handed. I'm a terrible fellow when I'm put out. I must kill rats, and—listen—sometimes even cats!" Shireen (purring louder than ever): "Oh, I daresay and, indeed, Cracker, some cats deserve to be killed. But I'm Shireen. Nobody ever kills me. What a nice good-natured face you have! Just let me rub my back against your chest. So—and—so! I'm sure we shall be tremendous friends, and you might do me a favor if you care to."