Parents often cringe when their teenage son or daughter says, "I want to go out on a date" for the first time. It marks a life transition, and it has many positive effects, because it's a dress rehearsal for serious relationships and marriage. It teaches teens to interact with others in a more intimate way than occurs in simple friendships.
Communication
Teen dating provides a way to learn healthy communication skills with a partner. It often takes trial and error, but the Project Horizon violence prevention site explains that dating teens learn to resolve disagreements as they go through the ups and downs of a relationship. These skills are useful preparation for marriage.
Confidence
Dating increases a teenager's overall self-confidence and standing with her peers. Teens feel good when they realize they are attractive to the opposite sex. Going out with a partner reinforces the positive feelings and sense of attractiveness. This can spill over into higher self-esteem and better performance in school and other activities.
Compromise
Dating teaches teenagers about compromise. A healthy relationship requires both parties to sometimes make a sacrifice. They must each give a little to meet the other person's needs. This is learned hands-on through the dating process to maintain the relationship. It's a valuable skill that can be used in adulthood in family and workplace situations.
Trust
Teen dating teaching youngsters the importance of trust and honesty. These two things are the basis of a healthy relationship. Children's Hospital Boston explains there may be breaches of trust. This teaches the teen how to resolve problems or draw boundaries when necessary.
Fun
Dating is a social activity that gives teenagers an outlet to go to movies, dances and other enjoyable places and share the fun with a significant other. This is a good outlet that offsets some of the pressure of schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
Compatibility
Teenage dating is an opportunity for a young person to figure out what he is looking for in a partner. Teens learn which traits they find most attractive in others and the things that are annoying. This information is valuable in the eventual search for a marriage partner.
Rejection
Life is not perfect, and teens must learn to deal with rejection, because they will face many disappointments in adulthood. Many teen romances do not last long, and break-ups provide youngsters with experience in handling hurt and rejection. They learn to go through the grieving process and eventually move on.
Maturity
Teens are in the transition from child to adult. Dating helps them to feel independent and mature. It's a step forward into "grown-up" behavior.
Member Comments
prince6688 October 25
Pros:
Knowing what to expect in latter relationships
Experiencing life issues
Learning compassion for other people
Cons:
STDs
Pregnancy
Unwanted relations
Physical, and/or mental abuse
Source(s):
Personal experiences
prince6688 October 25
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