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Our Featured Article:
Dating Tips for
Teens
By: Doris Jeanette, Psy.D.
Dating can be scary, confusing and down
right uncomfortable. The major reason for this social anxiety is because you have
expectations of yourself or the other person. These expectations are what make
a potentially fun time together turn into a nightmare. So
the first thing you can do to have a good time is to relax. Make
up your mind to take the pressure off yourself and off of your date. Give up your
expectations. Do not try to control the outcome. If
you relax, this helps your new friend relax and then there is a better chance
that you both can have fun. Let
the relationship develop as it needs to, do not force it into any direction. Breath
a lot, that always helps you relax. Be aware of your body as you interact and
share time together. This
helps you reduce dating, social anxiety and stay in the moment so you can be yourself.
You
want to help your new relationship grow like a plant into something that feels
good to both of you. Give yourself time to see the positive qualities of the other
person. Show them your strengths and see how they respond. Getting
to know a person is like a dance. First you can lead a little. Then you follow
a little. Share a personality quality about yourself that you think is not so
great and see how they respond. Give yourself time to see the faults of the other
person without being judgmental and critical. Good
relationships are based on accepting your faults and the other persons faults.
You have faults, that is what makes you human. It is how you deal with your faults
that makes you strong, healthy and fulfilled.
Improving your self esteem is the best way to relax and have fun dating. To learn
how to reduce relationship anxiety
study, "A Nature Process for Opening the Heart -Your Emotional Guide to Self
Esteem." Self help Tapes, CDs or e-book.
Real relationships are the ones that feed us, nourish us and help us grown. So
when you play games, act cool and show the other person an "Image" instead
of sharing your real self, you are wasting your time. In addition, you are setting
yourself up for disappointment, heartache, broken hearts and unhealthy relationships.
Think
of every single new date as practice. Remember relationships are like anything
else in life, the more you practice, the better you become. So relax, get out
there and practice, practice, practice. The best relationship advice I can give
you is to enjoy yourself as you improve. | 
