Young Love - Advice for teenagers
Young love is a complicated thing? Is it real? Will it last? Is it possible for teenagers to experience real, soul mate kinds of relationships, or is the maturity level not high enough? In most cases, it’s safe to say that no is the answer. It is true that teenagers can experience young love; I was a teen once, and I experienced it. However, the kind of loving relationship that requires commitment and sacrifice may not be possible for younger people. Real life is much different than movies or music videos. Forever is a long time. Forever is more likely to occur between individuals who have compatible emotional maturity and life experiences.
Young love is a next step to the world of adult behavior. It is also a next step to the world of adult pain and sorrow. In an ideal world, teenagers would enjoy the freedom that comes with being single and unaccountable to a significant other. In our imperfect world, teenagers believe their first relationship is their only relationship, and they take the first step to divorce. They get married thinking that it will be forever. This is a lesson in relationships, but unfortunately, they learn the hard way. Perhaps this is the price that is paid to find that one person who is our true soul mate.
Sometimes when teenagers think that they have found “the one” they make decisions that are unwise, like having sex and becoming intimate too soon. This can result in an unwanted pregnancy, which will change their lives (and the lives of their family) forever. Teenagers should consider their plans for the future and how and unplanned pregnancy would figure into that. Sexually transmitted diseases are also a cause for concern. No matter how head over heels you may be, wiser heads should prevail when it comes to sex. Waiting is always the best choice, and believe it or not, young love can still survive without sex.
Although many young love relationships will fail, not all young love will fail. One way of ensuring that young love or a relationship at any age will last, is to put God at the center of it. God’s guidelines for relationships, marriage, sex, and intimacy should be the foundation of all relationships. God created us and He cares for us, and His guidelines for our lives can help us succeed in all areas of our lives. If you are experiencing new or young love, put your trust in God, read the Bible, His book of guidelines for us, and pray for His help and guidance.