Advice For Teen Girls: Setting Dating Boundaries For Yourself

It is very important, as a teen girl, to set boundaries for yourself. This is a crucial time in your life, especially when you start dating. There is a variety of boys with a variety of personalities and values. To make wise decisions about who is best to allow into your life, you have to first set boundaries for yourself.

When to Set Boundaries

The earlier you set boundaries for youself, the better. Even if you haven't started dating, think about what your boundaries will be when you start dating. This will help you gain strength to use your boundaries once you are ready to interact with teen boys. Your boundaries are about you and your well-being. They help you to form a good character and also gain maturity. In the process, you will bring good things and good people into your life by the decisions you make.

How to Set Boundaries

Think about what you deserve in life. Think about what you want out of life in the present, and also, in the future. What you want and what you deserve should be positive things. Positivity breeds positivity. The decisions you make now can affect the rest of your life.

Know the difference in right and wrong--in relaiton to your boundaries. This may sound like a no-brainer, but when you are faced with a particular situation, you may be inclined to go down the wrong path. For example, if you are against drinking, but meet a cute boy, you might start to drink just to be around the boy to gain his attention. This is when your boundaries come into play. If you have set a boundary for yourself not to drink, stick to it. You will be better off than you would with the boy who wants you to drink. How long will that boy even be in your life? Is going against your boundaries worth the consequences?

Think about what you feel is right or wrong in your life. Be firm on your boundaries. They are for your well-being, and you will be more respected by others in the long run, by showing you deserve good things in your life.

Why Not Setting Boundaries Can Backfire

Not having boundaries for yourself can backfire. Teen girls normally want a boyfriend. They want to feel special and worthy of a boy's attention. Teen girls sometimes get involved with a boy who they know is not good for them. Unfortunately, some teen girls end up going down the wrong path with the boy instead of sticking to their own values. This can lead to conflict with your parents or getting involved with drugs or alcohol, which could also lead to legal issues.

Some teen girls feel pressured to have sex when they aren't really ready. One sexual experience with a boy could lead to an unplanned pregnancy or even a deadly sexually transmitted disease. An unplanned pregnancy would involve making many decisions most teen girls are not ready for. There is the issue of breaking the news to your parents. The possibility of not being able to finish school. The conflict of whether to keep the baby and if the decision is made to have an abortion, the emotional trauma of the experience. If you do keep the baby, who is going to be responsible for he or she, and will the father even be in your life or the baby's? 

It is Your Choice

Keep in mind that what you get involved in or who you get involved with is a choice you make. You may be influenced by others, but ultimately, the choices you make are your own. 

Be mindful of who you surround yourself with. Observe how teen boys talk to you. Do they show genuine respect? Do they treat you well? If not, don't hesitate to say NEXT.

The consequences of getting involved with the wrong person is never worth having them in your life! It is your choice to make the life your want to create for yourself. Make wise choices and the consequences will be far less painful. Start with setting dating boundaries for yourself and don't be reeled in by a boy's superficial charm or good looks. There are good teen boys out there who will treat you right.