Have you ever wondered if moms still remember their first crush? I definitely remember. I was 14 when I had my first boyfriend. It was the summer between eighth and ninth grade. And yes, I got my first kiss that summer. I also got my heart broken when, after the summer, Steven moved away. So sadly, it became easy to give away my heart to other guys.

Years more info, when I met the guy I wanted to teens, I found myself dealing with many regrets.

I realize not all women have a teen dating dating like mine. Many probably have fond memories and sweet stories to tell. Teens like: Teens are my values, goals and priorities? Steven and my other boyfriends are now a teens of my distant past, dating the lessons I learned continue to inform me today. A little clarity ahead of time can set you up for healthier dating adventures. When I first started dating as a teen, Dating was way more interested in how a guy looked than if we had the same values, goals and priorities.

Understanding Teen Dating: Should My Teen Date?

My emotions had been so wrapped up in Steven that it was easy for me to dream about us getting married someday. Although I was young, I could have figured out I wanted to date someone who believed in God and wanted a lifelong commitment in marriage.

Those simple, shared values would have influenced many of the other aspects of our relationship. If those topics feel too far out in the future, how about evaluating your priorities as a teen.

Be clear about expectations and keep them simple

Be honest about your commitment to family nights, time with friends, your sports team, drama club, youth group activities or community service. Or would you feel pressured to change for him? Knowing these things about yourself will help you understand what to look for in a boyfriend. Two of the most important components of protecting your heart include valuing yourself and believing you deserve respect and love.

Once you believe these truths, setting personal boundaries will be easier. One way to protect your heart is to be honest with yourself about your emotions. Looking below the surface of your feelings can help you understand the needs you may be trying to fill. Are you feeling left out at school because it seems that everyone except you has a boyfriend? Are you angry about issues in your life and simply wish you had a boyfriend to vent with? Understanding your emotions and then taking those emotions to God through journaling and prayer can ultimately teens you make better relationship decisions.

Also, community can play a big role in your decisions about dating as a teen. Consider talking about loneliness with a friend who is also not dating. One of the best boundaries to set in any teen dating situation is a commitment to take the relationship slowly.

This approach gives you time to build trust and respect by getting to know each other better. Taking it slow emotionally also allows you to watch for red flags that may indicate if a guy is not appropriate for you. The same is true of relationships. Do you believe that God loves you dearly and has good plans for teens life? My relationship with Steven impacted my heart and set me on a path of seeking love and validation from other guys.

Thankfully, I learned to reflect on my values, priorities and emotional needs. By protecting my heart and setting boundaries, I avoided getting emotionally invested in the wrong person. And now, more than ever, I understand that I am fully loved and accepted by God.

May teens teen years be filled with all the right questions. Used by permission. Tricia Goyer is a best-selling, award-winning author of more than 70 books, including contemporary and historical novels and non-fiction titles that offer guidance on family- and parenting-related topics. She has also written hundreds of articles, appeared on numerous national TV and radio programs, and spoken at conferences around the nation.

Tricia regularly contributes to several blogs for Christian moms and homeschooling parents. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in northwestern Montana, a volunteer in her community, and a mentor to teen moms.

Tricia is a homeschooling mom of 10 children, including seven by adoption. She and her husband, John, also have four grandchildren.

Learn more about Tricia at her website, www. Can you navigate the first date without freaking out or freezing up? It is actually possible to relax, be yourself and have a good time? It is, and here are a few principles for helping that happen. The goal of a great marriage conversation is to affirm dating your spouse is doing right, to exchange ideas and to offer suggestions for the future. Use these questions to get that process started.

February 14, Dating Dating Rejection How one parent helped her teen through the dating years and a time of rejection. Home » Brio » Navigating Teen Dating. Navigating Teen Dating. By Tricia Goyer March 12, Three things to ask yourself when considering dating. Who will love me now? I began to wonder. Question No. What truths guide my life? What are my short- and long-term goals?

What matters most right now?

Start by loving the people your kids love

What healthy boundaries do I need to set dating any teen dating relationship? What emotions am I feeling right now and why? How can I allow God to settle my heart? When do I feel dating check this out and accepted by God?

Topics: Dating. About the Author. More by Tricia Teens. Next Overcoming Negative Thoughts Next.

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