Starry-eyed teenagers stare into each other’s eyes as they dream about what the future will have in store for them. The classic warnings such as: wait until you grow up and don’t get serious until you’re older, are lost as the dreamy couple is consumed in their own happiness. Though very common, teenage relationships are a continuing controversy between teenagers and adults.

There are many different views on dating. To some dating is a search for a life mate. Others have a very liberal view on dating. Some see it is a way to get to know people of the opposite sex better and figure out what they want in a mate.

“I love dating a different variety of girls,” Kevin Davis, ’02, said. “It teaches more about how different girls think so that I will recognize what I want in a future spouse.”

Dating can be a good way to learn communication skills with the opposite sex.

“I have learned so much from my girlfriend, how to open up to another person and how to be a better friend,” Nathan Heinrichs, ’02, said. “I can now use those skills when dealing with a friend in need.”

For many dating can also help a person decide what characteristics they want in a partner. It can show personalities that are suitable for them.

“Dating different guys has taught me how to respect them as people and it showed me the kind of respect that I should expect from them,” Danae Cook, ’05, said.

Most teens are liberal about dating which can make hard to keep focus on what is important.

“In high school it is hard to keep your focus on God and especially when you are in a relationship,” Nick Jones, ’02, said. “God has told me that if I want to grow closer to him, then I have to put dating aside. But God has a different purpose for everybody.”

While many teens are pro-dating, it is often hard to keep God first in a teenage relationship.

“God has promised that he will bless peoples’ relationships as long as they glorify him,” student activity director Christopher Schultz, said. “Doing that means that they are respectful, they remain sexually pure, and they put God above everything.”