Going out together (dating) is one of the first "grown-up" things that young people can do. It is probably wise for a teen to wait until he/she is about 15 before going on first date with one special boy or girl.
When a teen is ready for the first date, please follow the following:
If you ask someone out and they say no, try not to get too upset. And, more importantly, don't be afraid to ask again the next time you meet someone you think you will enjoy going out with.
If the boy you like doesn't ask you to the prom, don't ask him.
The relationship between you doesn't have to be romantic or sexual
Having a crush on a celebrity is actually good practaice for the real thing. It is fine to fantasize about your crush. It prepares you for the time when a serious boyfriend or girlfriend comes into your life.
You can become infatuated without knowing anything about what someone is really like. You can become infatuated with someone whether he or she is interested in you or not. When you are infatuated, you are taken over by your own emotions.
If you think you are in love, ask yourself these questions. Do you accept the person's faults? Do you understand the person's fears? If you are in love, you embrace the total person, faults and good points.
In general, stick to boys and girls close to your own age.
Acting phony is a turn-off. try to be sincere and honest.
Boys do not like girls who gossip
Boys are turned off by girls with snobby attitudes
They do not like girls who spend too much time fussing with their looks
Girls do not like boys who show off
They do not like boys who come on too strong
Don't appear needy or desperate. Don't lead someone on
Do not waste time on someone who is not good for you
Your parents will probably want to know where you are going on a date
They will want to meet the person you are going out with.
They will want you to come home at a particular time
You will earn your parents' trust if you honor their requests
Don't let your friend's opinions influence you too much if you don't agree with their advice
Try turning to an older brother or sister if you need someone to talk to. Do not rule out talking to your parents. Some parents can be very understanding when it comes to romance.
Remember that boys and girls can be friends, too.
You may have a good friend of the opposite sex. That person can help you understand what boys or girls are really thinking
Your crush does not have to be the one love of your life. Many relationships do not work out
Do not feel that you have to have a steady boyfriend or girlfriend right now. You have many years ahead of you to meet new and interesting people.
Teenage love is different from adult love because it is usually temporary.
It' okay to experiment with romantic situations. But set limits for yourself. Think about what feels right for you. Try not to worry about what the other kids are doing.
The first kiss with a new date is always a bit of a surprise. So it is fine for the first kiss to be slightly awkward
It is important to remember that young people can easily get carry away. Kissing may be followed by some intimate touching (foundling). These activities can lead to sex and sex itself is too important and too risky to be entered into accidentally.
More and more young people are deciding not to be sexually active. Abstinence is the only way to protect yourself and someone you care about completely from the risks of pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
It is important to discuss protection with your partner before you become sexually active.
Don't be stupid about date rape. Date rape has become quite rampant.
