Kids experience many firsts as they are growing up. First love is definitely one of the major ones. Teens watch fictional characters engage in romantic activities, see their friends go out on dates, and get eager to join the bandwagon. With such eagerness, teens are very likely to get into unhealthy relationships. A teen requires guidance as they get into the world of love to avoid teenage relationship problems.
Teenage Relationship Problems
Life Changes All the Time
Difficult decisions have to be made as you prepare to graduate from high school. Your partner may end up in a different college or move away in search for a job. Maintaining a long distance relationship is possible but difficult. Trusting each other and resisting temptation will come a long way to make the relationship work. If you still decide to stick to each other, just focus on the love you have for each other.
Growth May Be in the Way
Teens are constantly growing, developing physically and discovering themselves. They are also getting to know other people and figuring out what they are looking for in a romantic partner. However, personal growth can cause teenage relationship problems. A teenager may find himself moving from one relationship to the other as they try to understand what they want. It is better to keep things casual until one is sure they find someone they can get into a serious relationship with.
Respect Is a Must
Respect is a key component of any romantic relationship. Both parties should value each other’s opinions and boundaries. Teenage relationship problems come up when one disrespects the other in a relationship. It is important to speak out whenever you feel uncomfortable or disrespected. If he or she is not ready to listen, it is better to end the relationship and move on in pursuit of someone that respects you.
Education Comes First
A relationship, whether serious or casual, can harm a teenager’s grades. Teens in love will spend time together at the expense of their homework or even decide to skip school together. Teens often lose their focus on education as they concentrate on the relationship with their partners. It becomes a serious teenage relationship problem when teens focus more on their relationship than on education.
Serious Relationship vs. Crush
You can waste a lot of time on a crush mistaken for a real relationship if you do not differentiate the two. Intense attraction towards someone that you barely know is a crush--not love. Going out for dates with a cute guy from your class does not mean that you are in an exclusive relationship. Build the relationship slowly to avoid heartbreak and disappointment.
It Could Be One-Way Love
One of the many teenage relationship problems is falling for someone that does not love you back. It is painful but does not mean that something is wrong with you. You are simply not the right match maybe because of the timing or other differences that you may not be aware of. Instead of worrying, live a happy life that will attract the right person to you.
The First Love May Hurt
Teenage relationship problems definitely include first love. The feelings are usually intense--a mixture of dealing with new experiences, hormones, jealousy, confusion and the impulse to engage in sex. Avoid having sex to prevent dire consequences. When experiencing first love, it is difficult to draw a line between true love and a spasm of hormones!
Peer Pressure Is True
Teens care a lot about what their friends think about them and those they are dating. Peer pressure can mess up a relationship especially when your friends do not like whoever you are dating. Sometimes a teen even relates with someone from a certain group in order to fit in. Just listen to your friends’ opinions but make the decisions yourself.
How About Dating a Friend's Ex?
Dating your friend’s ex can be controversial. In most cases, it is not the best thing to do but there are exceptions. If they dated for a short time and agreed it was not working or if they broke up a long time ago and have dealt with the feelings, then it's fine. Ask your friend first and look out for body language to find out whether they are sincere. Note that you may have to choose between your friend and your new partner.
Never Isolate Yourself
It is unhealthy to get so deep into a relationship that you get isolated from everyone else. It is important to maintain your friends as you date. You could be tempted to spend a lot of time with your romantic partner but try to balance out other relationships since they are necessary. Isolation can be devastating especially when you break up. Keep your friends around!
Communication Means Everything
Communicate constantly to prevent misunderstandings. It helps your relationship grow and your love thrive. Take time to open up to each other when you start dating. If you find it difficult to open up to someone, then maybe you should rethink your decision of getting into that relationship. You have to talk for there won't be any trust and lasting love without effective communication.
Parents Say No
It is normal for parents to disapprove teen relationships. This is for fear of their children not ready to date or the bad influence of a relationship. Teenagers should listen to their parents’ advice regarding relationships. Teen should end a romantic relationship forbidden by their parents but they can still remain friends. If need be, you can date later when you are old enough to make your own decisions.
Social Standing Matters
The social status of a teen can be affected by his or her relationship. A girl may choose a boyfriend to make herself popular. Teens may even be branded for dating a particular person. Social status is very important to teenagers and can lead to either a more confident self when boosted or a messed-up self-esteem if lowered.
Immaturity Is Inevitable
Immaturity is one of the teenage relationship problems young people face. A teenager is not expected to behave like an adult but they must learn to express themselves and be assertive in a relationship. A guy’s idea of a romantic evening may be very different from a girl’s. But, regardless of age, both parties should be satisfied in a relationship.
Infidelity Destroys Everythings
If your boyfriend cheats on you, analyze the situation instead of imagining that he will always cheat. If he explains and is truly remorseful, then you can give him a second chance. But be careful if you cannot trust your partner or if he or she lies to cover up the things about cheating. Better still, end the relationship to avoid future pain.
Breakup Can Happen
No one plans for a breakup initially but if things are not working out, you have to initiate it. You have to think about how to do it. Breaking up in person is best but if he or she is far, do it over the phone instead of sending a text or letter. No blame game. Go straight to the point instead of avoiding the person or making up excuses. A clear breakup is easier to handle.
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