DATING

Dating relationships can be a fun and exciting part of your life. They also can be confusing, especially if dating is new to you. Once you know that the person that you like also likes you, you may not know what to do next. You can start by learning about what makes a dating relationship healthy and safe.

There is no best age for teens to start dating. Every person will be ready for a dating relationship at a different time. Different families may have their own rules about dating, too. When you decide to start a dating relationship, it should be because you care about someone and not because other people are dating. A dating relationship is a special chance to get to know someone, and it should happen only when you are really ready and your parents/guardians are OK with it.

Healthy dating relationships should start with the same things that healthy friendships start with: good communication, honesty and respect. Dating relationships are a little different because they may include physical ways of showing you care, like hugging, kissing or holding hands. You may find yourself wanting to spend all of your time with your crush, but it is important to spend some time apart, too. This will let you have a healthy relationship with your crush and with your friends and family at the same time.

You should NEVER feel pressured to do something that you don't want to do. Your crush should always respect your right to say no to anything that doesn't feel right. Talk to your crush ahead of time about what you will and will not do.

· Get to know a person by talking on the phone or at school before you go out for the first time.

· Go out with a group of friends to a public place the first few times you go out.

· Plan fun activities like going to the movies or the mall, on a picnic or for a walk.

· Tell the other person what you feel OK doing. Also, tell the person what time your parents/guardians want you to be home.

· Tell at least one friend and your parents/guardians who you are going out with and where you are going. Also tell them how to reach you.