When is a good time to start dating?

One of the biggest questions Thom and I get out at the schools is "When is a good time to start dating?" This is a great conversation to have with your parents. I would recommend later in life than earlier. Some people may be ready to date sooner than others. There is no magical age for dating. It really depends on your maturity level as well as the maturity level of the person you want to date. Healthy, long-lasting relationships take a lot of maturity, effort and responsibility. I want to encourage you not to rush into dating. Studies have shown that the sooner someone begins dating, the more likely they are to be sexually active before graduating high school. It's important to have friendships with people of the opposite sex instead of just dating them for popularity or because it looks good or because you want the self-esteem boost. It's important to really get to know someone and their values and morals before getting into a relationship. If your values and morals do not match up, the two of you are most likely not going to be very compatible and the relationship will most likely be an unhealthy one that can leave you with painful baggage. Take your time. There is no rush. Your worth is not defined by whether or not you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Give yourself time to grow into the man or woman God is calling you to be. Give yourself time to discover who you are and what you want out of life, then you will be ready to know what kind of person you need and want and can build a future with. Until then enjoy the opposite sex in group dates or activities. You'll save yourself a lot of grief.