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QUESTION ON DATING

 We get more and more emails from teenagers asking for counsel. Here is one we were permuted to use.

 Dear Kirsten, 

 Please tell me more on when I can start dating. I am a !3-year old boy.
Thank you.

Response:

Dating is a beautiful kind of friendship between a boy and girl. It could be a school mate or someone in your religious group or neighborhood. When you say you are dating someone, it means you two enjoy each other's company and go out for social activities together. Sometimes this excludes other people. It is just the two of you enjoying reading, talking, sharing. It is often better to be in a group with other people so that you are better guarded against sexual activities. Treat the other person with respect, even as you respect your body. Try to spend some time apart, though. That way you can connect with other people who care about you, too. And you'll have time for goals and activities that matter to you.

 When to start Dating?

There is no right age for teens to start dating. Every person is different. Lots of teens enjoy just hanging out in a group. Here are some tips for thinking about when you might start seeing(dating) someone:

Ask yourself: 

* Do I know what I want in a person I date?
* Is this right for me, or do I just want to do what my friends are doing?
* Am I doing this because I like someone, or because I like the idea of having someone?
* Can I handle tough feelings like jealousy?
* Do I know what I'm ready for in terms of physical stuff?
* Do I know how I'd say no to sex?

Talk to your parents or guardians about starting to date. They may have rules about things like when you can be alone with a date. If you don't like the rules, ask calmly about changing them. Staying calm shows that you're getting more mature. 



Some ideas from girlshealth.gov.


Comments

Bose said…
I prefer to have many friends in my class and not one boy. No boyfriend till uni.
04:29
Orion said…
Boys always want to touch you.
04:31
Chyoma P. said…
We always telll girls to stay away from boys who love touchy touchy.A good guy must show you respect.
04:34
Anonymous said…
Can you kiss?
04:35
Ms. Ekanem said…
Kiss on the cheek? Ask your parents.
04:41
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