Chat Time 27 - Teenage dating

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Questions

1. What can teenagers learn from dating?
   Teenagers can learn to become more sensitive about other people’s needs. They will also learn to balance their personal, school and family life.  

2. How dating may affect their studies, social life and emotions?
   Dating may adversely affect teenagers. They may get distracted from studies, miss out on normal social life with different people and become emotionally unstable. 

3. What problems may they face?
  Teenagers may face a lot of stress, confusion and uncertainty with themselves and life. There may be arguments and breakups as teenagers are not able to handle serious relationships. This can lead to feelings of despair and frustration.

Individual Response

1. Do you want to have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
   Well, I don't want a boyfriend/girlfriend. I want to focus on my study and go to university. I don’t mind spending time by myself. I don’t mind doing everything I want.

2. What kind of person do you want as your boyfriend/girlfriend?
   I want someone who will love me and make me feel special and someone I can hang out with all the time and talk to and have fun.  

3. How may having a boyfriend/girlfriend affect your life?
  I think having a boyfriend/girlfriend can positively affect my life. A healthy relationship will make me more productive as I can get someone who supports my dreams and helps me handle tough situations.

4. What should teenagers pay attention to when they are dating?
  When teenagers are dating, they should have honest conversations with their partner and share common interests and a certain level of respect. If they don’t feel comfortable with their dating partner, they should get out of the relationship.

5. If you were a parent, would you oppose your teenage child dating?
  I think it’s normal for a teen to be interested in dating. I would teach the responsibility of dating with my child and how he could conduct himself in a healthy relationship.