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Dating can be a complicated venture for Christian teens. It is complicated because they are learning about relationships just like any other teen. However, they have potentially been taught distinct boundaries in regards to relational limits and physical activity. This can leave Christian teens in a quandary as society is giving them one set of behaviors, while their belief system is providing them with a different basis for making relational decisions. Here are a few common dating rules for Christian teens to follow.

TELL YOUR PARENTS YOUR PLANS

When Christian teens begin to date, it is important to maintain dialogue with parents. Granted, this isn't necessarily normal behavior for teens, but it is important for Christian teens to let their parents know what, where, and with whom they are interacting in a dating setting. Because Christian teens often have Christian parents, it can be particularly challenging for those teens to convince their parents that dating is okay. Therefore, those teens should make sure that they avoid the teen tendency to be cagey with their parents as they enter the dating scene.

KNOW YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS

Because the teenage years can be particularly confusing from a physical intimacy standpoint, it is important for Christian teens to know in advance where they stand on their physical limits. If teens wait until the "heat of the moment", they may make decisions that they later regret. By nature, humans can be impulsive creatures, which means that they sometimes make emotional decisions too quickly. Teen emotions can be a bit of a "roller coaster" as they mix with hormones and uncertainty about themselves.

KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE

This is a rule for Christian teens in general, but it comes in very handy when dating. When teens are out with friends, they will inevitably have opportunities to discuss what they believe and how it applies to their daily lives. This is specifically helpful on the prior point on physical limits. Knowing WHY one believes is a key component to defending those beliefs and being able to confidently apply them in all situations, including dating.

Dating is an exciting stage of life that can also be fraught with challenges and confusion. For the Christian teen, it can be a particularly murky trail as they try to balance their faith with societal pressure to fit in. Therefore, it is crucial that they know where they stand prior to entering the world of dating. In addition, it is important to maintain communication with trusted peers, parents, and mentors so that they can have support when making tough decisions.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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