Whoever said love is blind is dead wrong. Love is the only thing that lets us see each other with the remotest accuracy. Love makes us patient, understanding, and kind. And we judge with our heart not with our mind. Among the youth, love often calls for dating. Dating relationships can be a fun and exciting part of life. Once you know that the person that you like also likes you, you may not know what to do next.

ADVICE ON DATING RELATIONSHIP

What is a healthy dating relationship?

Healthy dating relationships should start with the same things that healthy friendships start with: good communication, honesty, and respect. Dating relationships are a little different because they may include physical ways of showing you care, like hugging, kissing, or holding hands. You may find yourself wanting to spend all of your time with your crush, but it is important to spend some time apart, too. This will let you have a healthy relationship with your crush and with your friends and family at the same time. Go out with a group of friends to a public place the fi rst few times you go out. Plan fun activities like going to the movies or the mall, on a picnic or for a walk. Tell the other person what you feel okay doing. Also, tell the person what time your parents/guardians want you to be home. Tell at least one friend and your parents/guardians who you are going out with and where you are going. Also tell them how to reach you. When do teens start dating?

There is no best age for teens to start dating. Every person will be ready for a dating relationship at a different time. Different families may have their own rules about dating, too. When you decide to start a dating relationship, it should be because you care about someone and not because other people are dating. A dating relationship is a special chance to get to know someone, and it should happen only when you are really ready and your parents/guardians are okay with it.

What if I feel pressure to do something I do not want to do?

You should NEVER feel pressured to do something that you don’t want to do. Your crush should always respect your right to say no to anything that doesn’t feel right. Talk to your crush ahead of time about what you will and will not do.

Source for advice: www.girlshealth. gov —Lawrent Kumchenga