10 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

examples of this - I know many gays who grew up beside peers with negative assumptions: that gay is wrong, and that gay is not anyone's default state. I've learned a lot about what these people went through, and I hurt when I try to imagine what I would go through if, as a woman, I was brought up in a world that expected me to be sexually attracted to other women by default. It would be hell. I love men. A lot.

By no means do I claim that the two rules I outlined are the only two rules - others include:

1) A minimum dating age, say seventeen, before which point the child may not date. I think this is good in principle, because many younger teens aren't mature enough to handle close romantic relationships. I do think it's important, though, to talk about the rules, know your children as individuals, and make your judgments based on their individual levels of maturity.

2) Dating within your religion is mandatory.
This one, on the other hand, is ludicrous; an example of xenophobia at it's strongest. Not only do I think it's awful to force any religion on a child or teen, but I think it's damaging to try to cut them off from the potential good in accepting diversity. We're all human beings. Why not explore?

3) Dates must be double dates, in public places.
This is alright in theory too; it's very safety-oriented. However, I suspect the rule is most often employed more to prevent promiscuity than to avoid danger, and that's silly. Besides, this rule is totally unenforceable. The best you can do is suggest it, then sit back and wait.

Learn more about this author, Currie Jean.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Common dating rules for Christian teens?
We want to hear your view. Write now!