Being a teenager is a fun and exciting time of life. It is a time when you are discovering who you are and what you want.
Dating, especially during Valentines Day, can be a fun and great time for you as a teenager. It is totally possible to maintain good standards while having a good time. In fact, you will have more fun when you do. The easiest way to do this is look for and date people who have the same high standards as you do. The bad boy or girl may look intriguing, however the fun wears off really quickly.
Manners matter when you are dating, especially as a teenager. Always remember your magic words and use “pleases” and “thank yous” with the person you are out with. There is nothing more annoying than an ungrateful date. Remember to always: treat others like you want to be treated.
All of this aside, the following are some more great teen dating tips to guide you this Valentine’s Day season.
BEFORE THE DATE
Asking the Person Out –
When you have found someone that you would like to go out with, practice asking them out (especially if you are nervous). When you have it mastered, just do it. You don't have to come up with a fancy way to ask. A simple, "Do you want to go out on Friday?" is totally okay. It is NOT good dating etiquette to show up in their driveway, call them on their cell phone and ask them out right then. Parents do not like this.
Get a Group Together –
It is so much more fun to go out in a group, especially when you are just getting into the dating mix. A bunch of people can come up with so much more to do and talk about. It will also help with the nerves especially on a first date.
Take a Shower –
Truly... clean up and look nice for the person you have asked out or that has asked you out. Grooming is a good habit anyway. Honestly, no one wants to go out with someone that just got done with team practice and smells like it. But, extra cologne and perfume do not cover up the smell of sweat.
Know Where You Are Going and What You Are Doing –
This is good teen dating tip manners. You will be able to let the other person know what to expect. Also, they should know what kind of clothing and dress to pick out. Most importantly, when your date's parents ask what you are doing, you will be able to give them a good answer. Very important. Know, your date's parents will know when you are not telling the truth.
THE DATE
Picking Up Your Date –
Go up to the door to pick up your date. I don't care how scared you are to meet your date's parents... you need to do it! Man up! Honking your horn for your date shows fear and a lack of respect.
Be Yourself -
The reason why your date said yes to you is because of you. If you pretend to be someone else it will only get harder, especially if you spend more time with that person. Really, trying to be someone other than you is just a big fat lie you have to keep up...how exhausting.
Conversations –
It is a good idea to have a list of things in mind that are interesting about that person that you want to know more about. Ask questions and then listen to what they say. Don't sit and talk about yourself the entire night... boring.
Put the Electronics Away-
You are out with someone to have fun with, talk to and have adventures. It is impossible to do any of this if your ear buds are in, attached to your text conversation or chatting with your friends on the phone.
Respect Curfew -
Nothing good happens after curfew. Your date's parents have a very good reason they want their son or daughter home by a certain time. Even if you don't understand it, respect it.
Respect Yourself -
Unfortunately, there are times when your date is not very respectful of who you are and your standards. No matter how you think the dates should go, it may go wrong. If this ever occurs, it is important that you remember: IT IS OKAY TO SAY NO AND MEAN IT. Stand up for yourself. Get out of the car. Walk away, get somewhere safe, and call someone.
The Doorstep -
The final teen dating tip comes at the end of the date. Walk your date to the doorstep. This does not mean that you have to kiss them, it just means that you want to see them safely inside. Let your date know you had a good time (if you really did). Only tell them you are going to call them if it is the truth. Otherwise, your date will be agonizing and staring at the phone for the next few days.
I promise if you follow these teen dating tips this Valentine’s Day season you will earn respect and be relaxed when you are out with someone. Remember who you are, - YOU ARE GORGEOUS -, and remember you are worth it, use your manners and have fun.