relationship advice for teenagers
Relationship Advice for Teenagers
This article deals with relationship advice for teenagers with a view to help you on how to make it work when things get rough. It isn't easy to balance one's life in a form that is convenient and functional while juggling the complexities of teen life and dating. It is one's prime time to date and experiment, but how are you making it work?
- Work out a system at school where the two of you can spare a quick hello between classes. This way you can make small talk and plan on meeting later for lunch break. If you happen to be in different schools, then try working out a way to meet at a place and walk home together. This way you save on making a long phone call during your study time, eliminating that time to swap stories of each other's day.
- Know when to draw the line, especially during project and exam time. These crucial moments need your avid attention without being distracted by him/her. Plan out a time in the day when the two of you can take a breather and talk about how it's going. Keep it short and simple, without compromising on school work.
- Take turns spending time on the weekends with each other's friends, so that both of you do not feel out-of-place when one isn't familiar with the other's friends circle. Make him/her feel comfortable by keeping them involved in the group and not forgetting that he/she is taking time to know your side of the world.
- When one is in need of space it is important to give them breathing room. A teenager's life can be muddled up from time to time. Discuss the issue/problem when he/she wants to open up after having that thinking space. Do not pry or intrude if they need that time alone. It shows you are understanding and that you care, when you take a step back.
- Arguments are a factor in a relationship that you cannot dodge. Confronting them on the spot and solving them can make both of you part on peaceful terms. Apologize if it is genuinely your fault - do not let your ego overtake your sense of reason.
- Be supportive in what the other needs and wants out of you. Attend that play, soccer practice session, recital, competition or event that he/she is a part of. Encourage them to pursue what they're passionate about and do not let criticism bubble to the surface - if it is constructive, then word out your sentences with good intentions. Don't make it look like they chose to do the wrong thing or that they wouldn't do better if they tried again. Remember that it is imperative that you support them during their highs and lows.
- Make a note of his/her birthday in your calendar and keep a reminder pending to alert you when the big day arrives or even the day you two started dating. It allows both of you to bond in a way that grows as you two get older. Learning to appreciate the little things in a relationship goes a long way.
- Keep a tab on the things he/she says they like - keeping a mental note of these things will give you a good chance of buying what they will most definitely love and gush over about. Be thoughtful - putting a lot into a gift is a big way of letting the other know that you went through the trouble to get what they would love as opposed to what they could have liked.
- Surprise him/her on weekends, by doing things the other likes. Don't always restrict it to what you like to do. Give him/her a chance to suggest what to plan over the weekend, so that both are equally happy to spend quality time together. Keep the excitement going - it is what propels a relationship to not always be so serious and one-sided.
- The major issue that every teen is bound to ponder upon is - losing one's virginity. Take time out to discuss this big leap in the relationship. Make sure both are mutually comfortable about going all the way. If she wants to wait, respect her wishes. If a guy wants to wait (yes there are some gentlemen out there), let him take his time, because let's face it - you are worth the wait. Don't rush each other because he/she is testing the waters before making that big decision. If either of you is persistent in spite of the other wanting to wait it out, you will come off as desperate and pushy. Deciding when both are ready is when things get a little tense. Remember, this is your first time - stay protected and use the necessary precautions to avoid any accidents.
- Call often; if not everyday at least make it a point to do so once every week. Allow the other person to not only read what you have to say, but also to hear it out loud causing the distance to seem less wide.
- SMS/text message on an average of 2 times a day to keep a back and forth detail-swapping session going, to know what the other is up to. That way you also know where he/she is and accordingly can plan out when to keep in touch when he/she is conveniently free.
- Emailing is an option when one isn't free to log on to the web for a chat session; it is a detailed way of letting the other know what happened throughout the day, in order to fill him/her in about things you didn't have a chance to chat/SMS about. Limit it to times when either of you are unavailable due to reasons like low credit on your cell phone or being too busy to make it for the chat session due to personal reasons, whatever they may be.
- Webcam conferencing is a great way to see each other on a virtual platform - get a microphone enabled headset, where you can converse with him/her, and pretend like you two are meeting and speaking to each other face-to-face. It builds a comforting link to be able to see the other, when distance is a major factor.
- Take time out to plan holidays at each other's hometowns; ask your parents if they are willing to send you off to visit him or maybe he can come visit when it's spring break/the festive holiday season. Remember; being open and honest about a guy/girl in your life makes things less complicated. Seeking help from your parents can be calming when pressure arises in a long distance relationship.