Thump, thump, thump?His heart beats so loudly that the young boy figures the object of his affection be must able to hear it racing. He has finally mustered up the courage to ask his crush out on that infamous first date.
Millions of emotions flood his mind. He attempts to silence them while repeatedly telling himself just to breathe.
Teens all over the world experience these thoughts as they venture headfirst into the world of dating. Fear and excitement burst through their veins, compelling them to take a chance and ask that special someone out for the first time.
“I think that it is a good idea for teens to date,” Danae Cook, ’05, said. “It’s a great chance to learn about someone else and to find out new things about yourself. It helps you figure out what you want and don’t want in a partner. And believe me, you can determine all this on just a first date.”
For some, first dates open the door to a brand new friendship that they may never have discovered without taking a chance. A new friend and/or relationship can make all the nervousness and preparation worthwhile.
“My first date was amazing,” James Brown, ’06, said. “We went to Elephant Bar for chicken quesadillas and we hit it off right away. I found out we had so many similar interests. I knew right away that it was a good idea to ask her out to a restaurant so that we would get the chance to talk. From then on, things have gone great for us.”
However, some first dates end in disaster, leaving teens to ponder why they even bother. Awkward silences and lack of interest can leave a young dater discouraged, depressed and scared.
“My first date with a new friend of mine went horribly,” Brad Smittcamp, ’06, said. “We had nothing in common, and she was too quiet for my interest. Also, my advances got turned down and left me very confused. Another time, my supposed “date” cut right to the chase and didn’t even bother to show up. Talk about rude!”
There is controversy in many churches as to whether teens should be allowed to date. The preservation of a teens’ purity is a major issue. Parents often feel that young people should emphasize self-respect and biblical morals.
“Even though many people in the church have a problem with teen dating, I am definitely in support of it,” Brianne Raymer, ’06, said. “Getting the opportunity to see a student outside of their normal boundaries is a good way to determine whether you want to further your relationship with that person.”
Most activities can result in an enjoyable time for both parties involved. The most important thing to remember is not worrying about the money spent, but enjoying the time spent getting to know a friend in a different setting.
Besides the “”big three date ideas”” (dinner, movie, a dance or a sports game), there are many categories of dates to consider. The www.bygpub.com website has date ideas listed as classic, athletic or educational dates.
For more specific date ideas or questions about dating and places to take a date, go online to www.bygpub.com/books/tg2rw/dating-ideas.htm.
