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Whether Christian or non-Christian, there are universal dating rules that all teens should follow. They should be a standard norm for any pre-adult old enough to date. Naturally, there are additional guidelines that Christian teens should adhere to, but the following six are the ones this writer considers to be universal in nature:

(1) Practice Abstinence. Even safe sex is risky and will bring consequences into your life that you're not ready to deal with.

(2) Abstain from circumstances that may lead to sex. Stay out of the backseat and stay in a horizontal position as much as possible, especially when kissing and fondling. Know when to stop!

(3) Guys, always treat HER as you would want another guy to treat YOUR sister.

(4) Listen to peers and family members. If they see a red flag in someone you're dating, heed their advice. If in doubt about a relationship, seek the advice of those you respect the most.

(5) Have fun and keep it cool. Remember that dating is just a way to spend time with someone you're attracted to and to get to know them better. Commitment-even an exclusive dating commitment-should be taken seriously. Spend as much time as possible simply dating without commitment complications.

(6) This is probably the most important rule of all: Don't do anything that will fill you with regrets in later years. In everything you consider doing, ask yourself this question first: "How will I fell tomorrow if I do this tonight? How will I feel a year from now or ten?" One weak moment can fuel a lifetime of regret.

So, exactly what is it that sets a Christian teen apart from a non-Christian one? Their commitment to Jesus Christ and his standards for their lives. The Bible should be the blueprint of a Christian teen's life, therefore, I would add these additional four dating rules for these teens:

(7) Wait until marriage for sex. God designed sexual pleasure exclusively for married couples.

(8) Don't date anyone of the same sex. God never designed love or sex to be between anyone except a man and a woman.

(9) Set a godly, Christ-like example to anyone you date. Don't encourage them to do anything that you know in your heart to be wrong. Listen to your conscience and let it guide you. One thing every Christian teen has is a conscience called the Holy Spirit. If that small voice within is nudging you not to do something, listen to it!

(10) Pray, pray, pray with an open heart. Ask God to guide you in dating relationships, and to give you strength to resist sexual temptation. His dating advice is the greatest of all!

Learn more about this author, Sheila-Ann Bender.
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