This article, part 1 of 2, presents some of the most important tips teenagers (and parents of teenagers) should adhere to when dating.

Learning to drive is an incredibly exciting time in a teenager’s life. It represents a glow-in-the-dark mile marker in a teen’s journey to perceived independence and all the many freedoms that come with that perception. “Got the keys to a car, no parents in sight…freedom, baby!!!” Teenage Relationship Dating is another bridge to freedom they are dying to cross over; dating can be a measure of who they are and their capacity for love. At this age, teenagers are discovering themselves and their value in relationships through their new freedoms and through what they feel is falling in love. “Josh thinks I’m cute! I AM now validated.” But the road of teenage relationship dating can be as perilous as allowing a 4th grader to climb in behind the wheel of your car! As with driving, there are important lessons that need to be learned before you can simply hand over the keys. In fact, there are important lessons that parents also might want to learn before they just allow their teenage son or daughter to speed off down the Relationship Road. This essential teen dating advice could steer your child away from teenage relationship dating disaster; it could even save their lives!

Teen Dating Advice # 1: Date People You Already Know and Trust

He may have seemed like an absolute gentleman when he approached you at Taco Bell® asking for your number. And besides, he was hot, right? But beneath that flashy paint job may be deception. When it comes to healthy teenage relationship dating, you should always take the time to get to know your date in an environment that is safe. “I don’t care where this car has been, what Consumer Reports has to say or if it has been in any accidents…I want it anyway!” If you don’t already know him or her from school or through a close friend, then use group activities or double teenage relationship dating as a way of getting to know them. Do your research in advance. Have a conversation with them over the phone before you agree to a get-together with friends and always before your first date. Establishing what your interests are before you meet, will give you something to talk about. The first several dates should be considered a “test drive” and you have lots of fact finding to do before you sign on the dotted line.

Teen Dating Advice # 2: Teenage Relationship Dating Checklist

Do you wait to have an accident in a car before putting on your seatbelt? Then why do the same with a teenage relationship dating situation? The fact of the matter is that you can never be too safe; especially with someone you don’t know that well. When teenage relationship dating, follow these tips to minimize the risk:

1. Before you invest in a car, it makes sense to create a list of “must-haves.” Be sure to make your list of “deal breakers” and your wish list before you look into those dreamy eyes and compromise all the way to a heartbreak.

2. Check online. Google the name of your potential date and see what comes up,

3. Use you own version of “Consumer Reports” by taking the time to research this person on available social media sites like Facebook®. Read older posts, look at photos. See any red flags?

4. If you had 3 friends that already owned the car you were thinking of buying, wouldn’t you ask their opinion? Apply that to dating.

5. Adult perspective. I know you want to be independent and make your own decisions however, would you rather use the wisdom of someone who has traveled down that road or would you prefer to drive blind? Get advice from healthy adults. 6. Look into the manufacturer. Parents and living situation can be a real eye-opener. In many cases, the lug nut doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Teen Dating Advice # 3: Be Very Careful About Meeting People Online

Buying a car online is risky business. Many times, the “seller” will take the money, run; never to be seen or heard from again. Teenage relationship dating born out of the virtual ether is an especially treacherous road to go down. The version of yourself you present to someone online can be quite different than the ‘real’ you. And the same can apply to others with less-than-honest intentions. Adults get ripped off every day buying cars online. The same is true for dating. If you decide to wander down either road, be prepared to gamble it all away. The risk in this type of teenage relationship dating far outweighs the benefits.  

Stay Tuned for More Teenage Relationship Dating Advice…

In my next article post on Teenage Relationship Dating, I shall explore some other important tips for teens and parents to follow. Armed with this essential teen dating advice, you can learn to date defensively, navigate safely and steer clear of unhealthy relationships.