Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Ask yourself if you are ready for this
• Method 2 of 3: Seek advice from loved ones
• Method 3 of 3: Consider Your Cultural or Religious Background
• Tips
• Warnings

You may be wondering if you're old enough to date a guy or start dating. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for every girl. Perhaps you have strict parents or a peculiar cultural or religious upbringing. To figure out if it's time to date your boyfriend, you need to ask yourself a few questions, as well as consult with people you trust.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Ask yourself if you are ready for this

1. 1 Ask yourself why you need a boyfriend. At any age, understanding why you need something (in this case, a relationship with a guy) is a good starting point. You shouldn't rush into a relationship or agree to a date without hesitation, or simply because you think it will be fun. Relationships need to mature and work on, so first of all, think about what you are getting yourself into.
   • There are both compelling and unconvincing reasons for wanting to date a guy.
   • A warm, intimate relationship and having a partner with whom to go through life are compelling reasons for dating one particular person.
   • If you are feeling unhappy or inferior, keep in mind that the other person will not be able to fix it.
   • A guy can be a temporary "cure" for boredom or loneliness, but it is foolish to expect him to be perfect and always come to the rescue, since he is not as perfect as you are.
2. 2 Determine what "dating" means to you. If you're looking to settle down one day and marry someone special, then having a boyfriend is a great way to find out what it's like to be in a serious relationship with commitment. However, if you just want to have some fun meeting a lot of guys, then being the only one for a boy is not the best idea.
   • Your outlook on dating will affect how you feel about your boyfriend.
   • Girls who want to get married expect loyalty and long-term plans from their partners. Conversely, girls who date a lot of guys don't worry about the seriousness of their intentions.
3. 3 Examine your schedule to see if you have time for the relationship. Having a boyfriend is time-consuming. Quite frankly, people are too busy with studies, friends, playing sports, extra sections, hobbies, or simply trying to establish a good sleep schedule that they simply do not have the opportunity to bring anything or anyone into their lives.
   • On average, you will need to set aside a few hours or days a week to devote to your boyfriend.
   • Don't neglect friendships or family. Dating can be time-consuming. Do you hardly want to become the person who disappears as soon as he has a relationship, and reappears on the horizon only after a breakup?
   • At the same time, technology has made it easier to date a guy and at the same time lead a life outside of the relationship. If you do not have time to meet in person with loved ones, you can exchange text messages, talk on the phone or communicate using video calls, for example, via Skype.
4. 4 Define your personal goals and dreams. As a person, you probably have plans for life. For example, you want to build a career or get married and have children. A guy can either help you achieve these goals or hinder you. You just need to figure out how dating will affect your plans.
   • Remember that you have time to think things over. It's never too late to start dating, just like it's never too late to make changes in your life.
   • Don't feel like you are running out of time. You will have many more dating partners, so don't be discouraged by being alone or being the only one in the company who doesn't have a mate.
5. 5 Watch for alarms from potential boyfriends. If a boyfriend or even friends force you to date, it's best not to follow their lead. Don't push your boundaries and comfort zone just because someone else has a boyfriend. Your safety and emotional health are far more important than having a harmful relationship.
   • Don't let anyone instill guilt in you for not having a boyfriend.
   • A simple “No thanks” or “I'm not interested in dating at the moment” will help hold back any fan if you’re not ready yet.
   • If you ever start to feel pressured by a friend or your boyfriend, especially about sex, you have the right to end the relationship and say no.
6. 6 Don't lie to yourself about your own feelings. If there is a guy who wants to date you, honestly admit to yourself if you like him in return or if you are just flattered by his attention. However, if you feel a connection between you, then warm, but not yet clear feelings will be enough to start a relationship. If that's the case, dating can be an opportunity to get to know the person better when you're alone with them.
   • You can always arrange a double date to help both of you relieve tension. You may be intimidated by one-on-one encounters. In addition, they are conducive to physical attraction. Therefore, the first time you can meet with a guy in the company of friends.
   • Be careful not to accept a date invitation out of pity or to start a relationship this way. In the end, it will only hurt you and your boyfriend.

Method 2 of 3: Seek advice from loved ones

1. 1 Talk to your parents about their opinions and conditions. Before you finally decide on starting a relationship, ask your parents what rules they will establish for your dates. Perhaps they will offer to wait until graduation. It is likely that you will not be able to date your boyfriend if your parents want you to focus on your studies or other things.
   • When talking with your parents, be sure to discuss the following questions: what time you can go home, can you ride with your boyfriend in a car, can you be alone with your boyfriend, and any other special conditions.
   • Here's a good question: "How old were you when you started dating?" - and: "You did not regret that you did not postpone the relationship?"
   • At heart, your parents want the best for you, so you should listen to their wishes and respect them, even if you disagree with them.
   • If you have a certain boyfriend in mind, invite him over and introduce him to your parents to make it easier to convince them.
   • Your parents may have a better idea of ​​your level of maturity. And listening to them is the best way to prove that you are mature enough to make adult decisions.
2. 2 Ask your friends for advice, but don't give in to peer pressure. It is very easy to catch fire with the general thrill of dating and, listening to friends tell stories about their boyfriends, want to find a partner for yourself. Most importantly, remember: just because everyone is doing something does not mean that you need to do the same.
   • If your girlfriends haven’t dated because of a parental ban, or if everyone is hanging out with the company, you may not want to start a relationship and be alone with your boyfriend just yet.
   • Ask your friends if you can spend time with them and their boyfriends to get an idea of ​​what relationships look like at your age.
   • However, if your girlfriends are happy with their boyfriends and you have reached the same level of maturity, you may be able to handle the relationship.
   • Most importantly, make sure that whatever your decision, you made it for yourself, and not for the sake of your friends.
   • Be careful. Just because all girlfriends have boyfriends doesn't mean you should have one. You may have grown up to this, but don't feel obligated to accept a date just out of a desire to be in a relationship.
3. 3 Hear what long-time couples have to say about their relationship experiences. Find an adult, married couple who have been together for many years. Ask about their love story and how they met. Someone else's experience will help you decide whether you want to wait with the relationship or are ready to throw yourself headlong into it.
   • You might want to wait for a special guy, or you already have someone in mind.
   • Adult couples are more experienced in relationships. They might give better advice than your friend who changes boyfriends every week.
   • Ask similar questions: "When did you meet your spouse?", "Do you think courtship is better than a relationship?" - or: "What dates did you go on?"

Method 3 of 3: Consider Your Cultural or Religious Background

1. 1 Think about the cultural environment in which you grew up. Perhaps all women in your family married their high school love. Or, in your culture, it is not customary to date different guys, but only one, whom you should marry. Consider your personality to decide if it's time to start a serious relationship with your boyfriend.
   • Your religion or culture may have special opinions about sex or birth control.And while you might find it fun to build up passion and do something crazy, keep in mind that it's best to adopt these rules for your own safety.
   • Remember that you are entitled to your own opinion.
   • However, it may be in your best interest to respect the rules and regulations of your environment.
   • Regardless of whether you follow the example of others or decide for yourself whether you are with a boyfriend, keep in mind that your choices will affect other people in any way.
2. 2 Observe the place where you live now. Your city or school may have a different attitude towards dating or the age at which to start a serious relationship. You can follow these customs if you wish, but remember that just because everyone is doing something does not mean that it will be good for you.
   • For example, if all the guys in Sunday school don't want to date anyone before they get married, it's best to wait for one of them to ask you out instead of trying to force them into a relationship.
3. 3 Talk to your mentor about whether you should date your boyfriend. A priest or school counselor can be a reliable source and the right person to discuss any difficult situations with. Sometimes it's better to wait and not start a relationship with your boyfriend if marriage is the main goal in your family or religion.
   • Some organizations and even schools sometimes have specific dating rules. If you don't want to get into trouble, it's best to follow these rules.
   • Rebellious and provocative behavior may seem funny to you, but it's wrong to start a relationship with a guy just to break a ban or prove your position.

Tips

• Trust is very important when you start dating. It's about trust between your boyfriend and your parents.
• It is very important that your parents or mentors are aware of your relationship. By dating a guy in secret, you undermine your trust.
• First of all, you should strive for spiritual and emotional development, and only then to create a relationship.

Warnings

• If you are unsure, trust your intuition. There is no need to rush things or force yourself to start a relationship.
• In some cases, there are laws that regulate the age permissible for a relationship. And, as a rule, this is not associated with sexual activity.