How young did you start dating?
By jureathome
@jureathome (5361)
Philippines
April 19, 2012 1:41am CST
I'm happy to say that I was able to wait until I was at the right age, 18, before I started dating. I had classmates and friends who started getting in to relationships as young as 13 or 14. I had crushes and suitors, but I didn't allow it to get in my way. Most of the guys I know who had early relationships ended up being flirts and jerks in college. I have nothing against those who engage in boyfriend/girlfriend thing too young, but I believe its best to experience this when you're more mature to understand the situation and strong enough to discipline yourself. I hope my daughters won't get too excited about relationships when they get bigger.
6 responses
@ricebird (34)
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
I started dating at age 14. I dont think I had any problems. I completed my degree, have a good career and family life.
I think it is preferred to start dating at age 18 and older but it is no guarantee that things will be better if you start later than earlier.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
So, out of curiosity, because Im concerned about the generation now and kids' future. How did you manage to handle your life well, despite dating too young? You might want to share some tips.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
Wow, talking to kids about family and reproductive health sounds like rocket science. I dont know how I'll do with that as a parent. But, ill cross the bridge when I get there. My parents weren't very open about such when I was young, and I kind of just learned things my way. Im glad I wasn't an irresponsible teenager.
@ricebird (34)
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
I think the key part was that I did not hide anything from my parents. They always knew where I was, with whom whenever. Dating also has certain levels. I think at a young age, you may be allowed to date but it could mostly be wholesome dating or preferably group dating. You may even have a steady boyfriend or girlfriend but it can be no more than just a very close friend of the opposite gender. Just because one dates does not mean he/she is doing anything that could jeopardize his/her future. In my case now, even when my children are still 12 years of age, I already start teaching them about family responsibilities and also try to be very conscious whether they are in need of reproductive health lectures.
@agent807 (751)
• United States
11 May 12
I'm going to be honest, I have never dated anyone before and I am 31, and I am guy. I know, it's a bit sad. When I was younger, my family discouraged me from it, then college I tried, and screwed up badly, then I listened to my family (huge mistake), ended up with a couple of nutcases (which I am glad was no real relationship forming there). I made another mistake of focusing too much on work, and became a workaholic. I guess this is what happens when one is an shy introvert. I tried to play it off for so long that I wasn't interested in a relationship that I was secretly flirting behind peoples' back so I wouldn't hear their insight. The problem I am facing is being involved with someone, not that part because it would be easier to figure that out (I hope), but dealing with my family. I have been hanging around a person for a while, and my family does not know she is white (I'm black). This does not bother me. In terms of dating and flirting, I have the worse discrimination policy in the world (I don't have one). So my family has not come to grips with that yet. I believe whatever relationship I enter, I may have to hide it from them for a while until we have been together long enough where they have no choice.
@agent807 (751)
• United States
12 May 12
I'm not dating anyone right now. I have too many personal things going on, and I want to get rid of some of that baggage before I get involved with someone. As for my family, they like control. I ended up moving back with them some time ago because I lost my job, and I am working to move away again, but this time, put some serious distance between my family and I. But I believe you're right, it would be best for me to just have a relationship and not tell anyone about until it is too late for them to make their opinion. The dating issue is just scratching the surface between what's going on between my family and I. The relationship has grown more toxic. I dreaded having to move back when I loss my job, but they were the only one's available, and I thank them for that. But I need control of my life back.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
12 May 12
Take one step at a time. It won't be easy to share your life with someone else if there's a lot of things bothering you in your personal life. I do hope you'll soon find the right girl to make you happy in your life.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
12 May 12
But, like you said, you're 31...so why, would your parents still have something to say about who you're dating. Anyhow, if that really would cause problem in the family, then keeping it from them, till it becomes a stronger relationship, might be the way to go.
Are you happy, with this girl, though?
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
20 Apr 12
I dated my first boyfriend at 17 years old. I dated a fellow high school classmate. He was my only boyfrind in high school. I don't like the idea of children starting at 12,13,14 or even 15! I have heard to many kids dating so early and becoming sexually active before they are ready! Parents need to set boundrys and know the kids their kids want to date before they are let to! I would not want my child to even consider to date until they are 16 or older. That is my opinion.
@Cherish14 (2693)
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
hi there,
i started dating when i was 17. he is my first boyfriend. i am 25 now and we have been together for almost 8 years now 
everything is just special because we are each others first boyfriend and girlfriend
yeah i know, when i was in high school, my friends already had several break ups while i barely even had a boy crush, well maybe actors LOL
everything is just special because we are each others first boyfriend and girlfriend
yeah i know, when i was in high school, my friends already had several break ups while i barely even had a boy crush, well maybe actors LOL
@Cherish14 (2693)
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
we do have plans, maybe in 2 years. we are just not ready yet. he is still working a lot and i am not yet done with my papers. it is still a long way to go. we plan to have it simple in the states but we will see.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
Any plans of getting married soon? 8 years is quite an investment. I do hope you guys will end up together and start your own family.
@rockydiwan (39)
• India
20 Apr 12
hi jureathome according to me dating is when we spend some time with our life partners that dating for me.
I started dating when i was in 11th standard. That time i didn't know the meaning of dating i just enjoyed those days with my closed friend. When i was at the age of 20 i dated with my girlfriend and i really enjoyed it.
But write now i don't have a enough time to go for date antually i feel that its a great part of ourlife.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
20 Apr 12
Sure, it is. In our country, dating doesn't only refer to singles going out together. We also use the term dating, even if you're just with your husband, watching a movie or having dinner at a restaurant. And, I enjoy going out on dates with my husband every weekend.
@shekinahmia (233)
• Philippines
19 Apr 12
I started dating at a very early age, at the age of 13. It was okay though since it was a long-distance relationship and my very first at that. It didn't last that long though. I guess I handled it well since I'm okay right now.
