Healthy Relationships: Dating

Healthy Relationships:

Dating

Healthy Relationships	Real Life: Dating Relationships
Real Life: Sibling Relationships	Real Life: Relationships w/ Parents
Real Life: Relationships w/ Friends

There is no best age for teens to begin dating. A dating relationship is a special chance to get to know someone, share your thoughts and feelings with each other, and do activities together.

Healthy dating relationships should start with the same ingredients that healthy friendships have, such as good communication, honesty, and respect. Dating relationships are a little different because they may include physical affection. As with all relationships, it may be tempting at first for you to spend all of your time with your new partner. But, making time to spend together and apart means that you will be able to work on having a healthy relationship with the person you are dating and with other people in your life, like your friends and family.

You should NEVER feel pressured to do something that you don't want to do. He/she should always respect your right to say no to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. It is important that you are both clear with each other about your values and your limits.

Here are some tips for starting a healthy dating relationship and ways to stay safe:

Get to know a person by talking on the phone or at school before you go out with them for the first time.
Go out in a public place with a group of friends the first few times you are spending time together.
Plan fun activities such as going to the movies, a picnic, the mall, a walk, etc.
Be clear with the other person about what you feel comfortable doing and what time your parent(s) or guardian(s) expect you to be home.
Tell at least one friend and especially your parent(s) or guardian(s) where you are going, who you will be with, and how to reach you.

Dating relationships can be a fun and exciting part of your life now. They may be a little confusing, especially if dating is new to you. Once you know that the person that you like, likes you too, you may be unsure of what to do next. You can start by learning about what makes a dating relationship healthy. The most important thing to remember is staying safe, especially when you begin to date.

Next: Real Life: Relationships w/ Parents

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/27/2010

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