Dating can be a very enjoyable way to meet new people and hopefully find someone whom you can create a lasting relationship with. There are, however, some dangers associated with dating that you or someone you care about should be aware of before beginning to enter the dating scene.
Cynicism
Dating different people for a long period of time without finding someone whom you can form a long-term relationship with can lead to disillusionment and sarcasm toward dating.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) & Pregnancy
If dating progresses to sexual activity, you can be at risk of getting an STD, such as herpes, human papilloma virus (HPV), HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis. Sexual activity can also cause unplanned pregnancies, which can lead to painful abortion experiences, having to put a child up for adoption or having to change the course of your life to become a parent. Teenage pregnancy is particularly dangerous, as teens are not generally emotionally capable of raising children even if they try to do so. Using condoms and other types of sexual protection are essential when dating if you plan to become sexually active.
Heartbreak
One of the obvious risks of dating is developing strong feelings toward someone who does not return your affections. Heartbreak and the pain that comes with it are unfortunately very common dangers of dating that happen to most people at some point in time.
Dating Violence
Along with STDs and heartbreak, one of the most dangerous risks involved with dating is violence. WomensHealth.gov defines dating violence as what happens when one person intentionally causes physical or psychological damage to another person he is dating, including physical and emotional abuse and sexual assault. Dating violence occurs in both homosexual and heterosexual dating relationships. Victims can sometimes receive drinks from their partners that have "date rape" drugs in them, such as Rohypnol. These drugs (like alcohol) can make you incapable of resisting assault. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that dating violence victims are not only more at risk of injury, but also are more likely to get into physical fights, start binge drinking and attempt suicide.
Fire-and-Forget
The existence of online dating services allows you to choose from hundreds of possible mates, which can lead to a sense of impatience. Because you now have so many different people to select from, you run the risk of discarding one potential lover who could have been a great match for you if you had only given the relationship a chance to blossom and grow.
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