10 Dating Tips for Teenagers

Dating is an exciting time for teenagers that can also be a valuable learning experience regarding love and relationships.  The teenagers years is the time when many young adults first begin dating and as a result learn a great deal about themselves as well as others.  This article is intended as a guide for teenagers who are just starting to date as well as advice for parents of teenagers who may want to offer their children a few useful tips about dating.

One important tip for teenagers when they first begin dating is to treat their dates with respect.  It is important to learn early on that treating your partners with respect will lead to meaningful relationships was failure to treat them with respect will lead to failed or unhealthy relationships.

Not forgetting about your friends is another simple tip for teenagers who have started to date.  The excitement of a romance may be enough to make your temporarily forget your platonic friendship but it is important to not completely lose sight of these relationships.  Your friends have always been there for you and if you work to maintain your friendships, they can offer you advice and support as you start to date.  Having a trusted friend that you can confide in will help you to make some of the difficult decisions that arise once you begin dating.

Teenagers are young and have their whole lives ahead of them to settle into a permanent relationship but while they are still teenagers, they can take the opportunity to date a variety of people.  This does not mean that remaining faithful to your girlfriend or boyfriend is not important but it does mean that you should rush to become involved in a committed relationship too soon. 

Trying to emulate the relationship that your parents have can be beneficial if they have a healthy relationship.  If their relationship is substantially flawed though it might be more worthwhile to study their relationship to try to determine what is wrong so that you can avoid repeating the mistakes of your parents.  Talking to your parents about their relationship is a good way to learn about what types of things work well in a relationship. 

Many teenagers may start dating some of their friends.  This is perfectly naturally as friendship is usually the first step in any relationship.  In this situation, however, it is important to remember that your friendship is more important than your romantic relationship so if you choose to break up it is best to do so amicably.  This is important because you most likely have many friends in common and a tumultuous breakup could make all of your friends feel uncomfortable and as if they need to choose sides. 

Keeping your dates simple is also advisable.  Many teenagers have a limited access to funds so it is best to go on low cost or inexpensive dates.  Favoring expensive dates that include extravagant restaurants and trips to the theater can put a tremendous strain on the relationship.

The idea of, "Going Dutch," is another tip for teenage dating.  Teenagers are notoriously broke and expecting the male to always pay for the date is an old fashioned idea.  Many teenage girls today have part time jobs and can certainly contribute financially to the dates.

Dating with a group of friends is another popular piece of dating advice for teenagers.  Teenagers enjoy the company of their friends and often form large cliques that enjoy spending time together.  Teenagers also redefine the concept of a double date to include three, four or even more couples on the date.  It is not uncommon for a group of four couples to go to a movie together and then all have dinner together afterwards.  This type of group dating mentality makes it much easier for teenagers to relax and have fun on the date.  Having several of your friends around take a great deal of pressure off of the date. 

Another tip that relates to teenagers and dating relates directly to safety.  Although legally teenagers should not be drinking, there are many who will engage in alcohol consumption while on a date.  In this situation it is imperative that the teenager who has not been drinking assume the responsibilities for driving.  If they have both consumed alcohol, it is necessary to call on a sober friend or family member to chauffer you home.  Failure to follow this tip can have tragic results. 

Finally, teenagers who are dating should give careful consideration to their beliefs on pre-marital sex.  The risks of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy cannot be avoided if you choose to engage in sexual activity.  Abstinence is the only safety measure that is 100% effective against both sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy.  It is important for teenagers to make and informed decision based on the facts.