by A. D. McDowell

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: February 19, 2012

Dating can be the most stressful or exciting time in a teens life. Most adolescents in their early teens are filled with the anticipation of beginning a dating relationship. However, dating should be considered very carefully in order to gain a positive experience from it. Regardless of the out comes of teen relationships, dating is not a worthless adventure.

It is important that you are ready for dating. Chances are, these early relationships will unlikely lead to the forever kind of love. They will however, lead to the how you view relationships in the future. It is what you learn from dating in your teenage years that is important.

First of all, there is the infatuation stages of relationships. In this stage, it is sometimes easy to over look important details regarding the one you have a crush on. During this stage, it is important to remain as clear headed as possible. Look for early signs that this potential relationship may have unhealthy side effects. Ask yourself questions and answer honestly. For example, is this a person you can trust? Will this person be a positive addition to you life? Do they show signs of an abusive personality? Does this potential boyfriend/girlfriend have the same values and morals as yourself? It is important to weigh the pros and cons of potentially starting a relationship.

Ok, let's say you begin dating that person you've been crushing on for the past 6 months. Finally, you've started on the road to many relationships to come. It is important that you and your boyfriend/girlfriend be honest and upfront on issues. It is a fact that many teens engage in sexual activity. You need to have an open discussion together and determine which avenue you're relationship will go down. Are you responsible enough to be accountable for your actions? Will you always use protection? Will you stay faithful? What will your life be like if a pregnancy occurs? These are all important decisions and the sooner you become comfortable talking about them the better your chances are concerning making informed choices during the relationship. Decide early what your boundaries are and set goals for the relationship.

Teens are faced with so many issues and challenges these days. It is important to set goals for yourself during your teenage years. There are always consequences to our actions. Life is about choices and events happen through cause and effect. One decision affects the other ones to come in our future. Some parents may discourage dating in the early teen years. Some permit their teen aged children to begin dating one they are licensed to drive. Talk with your parents about dating. Once they see how you view dating and what to expect to gain from it, chances are they will be more relaxed about allowing you to date.

Socializing during the adolescent years of junior high and high school allows individuals to build positive interpersonal skills. It instills in young teens the ability to socially interact and communicate with others. Even if the relationships of high school end in broken hearts, it is what you learn from the relationship that is important.

Dating for a teenager is a means to have a trial and error period for relationships. It is also a time to grow and mature emotionally. Start observing your dating patterns and the qualities of those you choose to date. Your choice in a date says a lot about who you are as a person. Learn from the choices made and apply them throughout the dating years to come as a young adult. Learning about yourself and others through dating will help you decide on a life long mate in the future to come.

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