Now that school is out for the summer, there is more time to hang with friends, play video games, go to the beach and.....date? Yes, it's true. With no homework to worry about, going out to the movies with your crush is on your mind, right? That's cool, but do you know how to go out with someone safely? Here's a few tips on how to have an awesome time with that crush, safely:
Go out with people you know and trust
It's not always possible to become friends before going out with someone, but try to get to know them through a group activity or a double-date before you go solo. You'll see how your date-to-be gets along with others, and you'll get some good clues about what to expect from them. If you can't hang out in a group before you go out with them, try to talk on the phone before you make plans. Getting to know your crush before you go out gives you more to talk about and less to feel awkward about when you spend time together. Avoid meeting up with people from Facebook and twitter, I mean you've seen the news headlines, right?
It's not always possible to become friends before going out with someone, but try to get to know them through a group activity or a double-date before you go solo. You'll see how your date-to-be gets along with others, and you'll get some good clues about what to expect from them. If you can't hang out in a group before you go out with them, try to talk on the phone before you make plans. Getting to know your crush before you go out gives you more to talk about and less to feel awkward about when you spend time together. Avoid meeting up with people from Facebook and twitter, I mean you've seen the news headlines, right?
Talk to your parents
Ok I know, parents are not our go to love life advisers. But they are the key to your safety. You don't have to tell them every single detail about how cute you think your crush is, but tell them who you're with and where you will be. The more info the better. Decide on a time you plan on coming home, and stick to that or call if plans change. You know how worried parents get! Don't give them a reason, take charge of your own safety. You might be surprised what they will trust you with. If you "forget" to tell your parents, make sure that an adult you can trust and a friend know where you are and who you are with.
Ok I know, parents are not our go to love life advisers. But they are the key to your safety. You don't have to tell them every single detail about how cute you think your crush is, but tell them who you're with and where you will be. The more info the better. Decide on a time you plan on coming home, and stick to that or call if plans change. You know how worried parents get! Don't give them a reason, take charge of your own safety. You might be surprised what they will trust you with. If you "forget" to tell your parents, make sure that an adult you can trust and a friend know where you are and who you are with.
That cell phone you're eyes are constantly glued to? Bring that along! This is a time when it may come in handy. Be prepared for the unexpected: You might need a ride home, some extra cash or a way to bail if your crush turns out to be totally lame.
Know your limits and communicate them
Think about your personal values and what you expect from this hang out before leaving the house. Be sure to let the person you're going out with know what makes you comfortable, what makes you uncomfortable and what kinds of things you'd like to avoid on your date, whether it's sex, alcohol, spicy foods or those spinny rides that make you sick. Let them know what kinds of things you would like to do, too! Plus, be sure you know and respect their limits as well.
If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, say "no" clearly and confidently. You're always allowed to change your mind about something, too. If someone likes and respects you, they'll back off. Don't worry: They will most likely ask you out again. And if they don't-their loss! If someone doesn't respect your decision, stay safe by leaving the situation.
Think about your personal values and what you expect from this hang out before leaving the house. Be sure to let the person you're going out with know what makes you comfortable, what makes you uncomfortable and what kinds of things you'd like to avoid on your date, whether it's sex, alcohol, spicy foods or those spinny rides that make you sick. Let them know what kinds of things you would like to do, too! Plus, be sure you know and respect their limits as well.
If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, say "no" clearly and confidently. You're always allowed to change your mind about something, too. If someone likes and respects you, they'll back off. Don't worry: They will most likely ask you out again. And if they don't-their loss! If someone doesn't respect your decision, stay safe by leaving the situation.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol compromise your ability to make smart decisions and to escape dangerous situations. They can make you take risks you wouldn't usually take with your body, your car and your safety in general. They also prevent you from getting to know what your date is really like and keeps them from getting to know the real you.
If you feel like your hands will fall off if you don't have a drink on a date or at a party, keep an eye on your drink at all times. Many teens are sexually assaulted after someone slips drugs into whatever they're drinking.
Drugs and alcohol compromise your ability to make smart decisions and to escape dangerous situations. They can make you take risks you wouldn't usually take with your body, your car and your safety in general. They also prevent you from getting to know what your date is really like and keeps them from getting to know the real you.
If you feel like your hands will fall off if you don't have a drink on a date or at a party, keep an eye on your drink at all times. Many teens are sexually assaulted after someone slips drugs into whatever they're drinking.
Go out, don't hang out
Getting out of the house for dates is always a good goal, especially if it's your first time going out with somebody. Not only is it safer to hang out in a public place such as a restaurant, movie theater or coffee shop, it's fun to discover new places with someone else. Going out rather than hanging out tells your date that you think they're special and want to explore the world--not just the cable channels--with them.
If you want to spend some time alone with the person you're seeing, wait until you've had a few dates and have set ground rules for alone time. Even if your date wants to stroll through an empty park or make out in the car, you don't have to go along with it. Trust your gut, and don't be afraid to say no and call it a night.
Getting out of the house for dates is always a good goal, especially if it's your first time going out with somebody. Not only is it safer to hang out in a public place such as a restaurant, movie theater or coffee shop, it's fun to discover new places with someone else. Going out rather than hanging out tells your date that you think they're special and want to explore the world--not just the cable channels--with them.
If you want to spend some time alone with the person you're seeing, wait until you've had a few dates and have set ground rules for alone time. Even if your date wants to stroll through an empty park or make out in the car, you don't have to go along with it. Trust your gut, and don't be afraid to say no and call it a night.
Know the warning signs of an abusive relationship
Dating violence is extremely common among teens. 1 in 4 teens have or will experience it. Even if your crush is charming and sweet at first, look out for signs of abusive relationships, such as:
• isolating you from friends and family
• having angry outbursts
• blaming others for problems
• threatening to hurt you during arguments
• getting extremely jealous for no reason
• trying to control you by belittling your values or ideas.
If these warning signs sound like someone you're dating, take a step back and reevaluate the relationship. If you need help figuring out what to do, talk to a school guidance counselor, social worker, teacher, pastor or domestic violence hotline. You are not alone!
Dating violence is extremely common among teens. 1 in 4 teens have or will experience it. Even if your crush is charming and sweet at first, look out for signs of abusive relationships, such as:
• isolating you from friends and family
• having angry outbursts
• blaming others for problems
• threatening to hurt you during arguments
• getting extremely jealous for no reason
• trying to control you by belittling your values or ideas.
If these warning signs sound like someone you're dating, take a step back and reevaluate the relationship. If you need help figuring out what to do, talk to a school guidance counselor, social worker, teacher, pastor or domestic violence hotline. You are not alone!
Oh, and don't forget to have fun! Hang with your friends too, you don't have to go out with anyone to have an awesome summer.
