It's almost pointless to date under age 16... unless?

Question

It's almost pointless to date under age 16... unless you're just looking to learn for mature relationships you will have later in life. Apparently, studies show that people aren't ready to have a real mature relationship until age 16. I believe this to be true. I am 17 years old and I notice that when I date 14 or 15 year olds they always seem to be scared of committing in a relationship. Then when I date 16 and 17 year olds the relationship always seems to last longer and is also a lot more mature. In some cases people are lucky and the commit before age 16, but I believe 16 is the magic age. I know I already asked something like this, but I believe I would ask this time in a different way. Do you agree with what I am saying? Why? Do you have your own opinion? Why do you believe what you believe?

Answer 1

the older you are the more mature you will be (hopefully), until you reach full maturity, in which case you are considered an adult. (wouldn't it be nice if this happened the same time you were considered legally an adult?)

the fact is that no two people mature at exactly the same rate. for years it has been said that girls mature faster than boys, but this isn't ALWAYS true, the same way not all 16 year olds are more mature than all 14 year olds. I've met some 14 year olds who were wise beyond their years, and some 16 year olds who were gullible enough to still believe in the tooth fairy!

This by no means implys that these mature 14 year olds should be commiting themselves to lifelong relationships. Neither should 16 year olds. The most mature thing to do, especially in teenage and young adult years, is to realize that you could see yourself marrying this person SOMEDAY, not get engaged immediately. Getting engaged too young is an immature thing to do, especially when you consider that most young people do it just to feel, or to prove, that they are mature.

At this age, you should commit yourself to someone to the extent of "I like you, I want to date/be with you, only you, and I want to see this through and try to make it work." If the other person can make the same commitment, then wonderful. As time progresses, the relationship grows stronger and fuller, and the couple really feels like they belong together (I'm talking a couple years here!) promise rings are a great way of showing your commitment to eachother, without actually getting engaged and feeling the need to rush into getting married before you're truly ready. This is the mature way of handling things, as well as the way that will be most succesful for young couples.

That said...

I imagine that a big part of the reason why your relationships with 16 - 17 year olds last longer is that you yourself are 17, and the closer to your own age you date, the more you will have in common. Of course you are (generally) more mature than the 14 or 15 year olds anyway, so a relationship with someone with a 2 - 3 year age gap is much more difficult, especially when you are this young.

I don't believe there is a "magic age" although 16 may have been the "magic #" for you, and even a number of people you know, but it's certainly not true for all people, and it's important to remember that.

Answer 2

I disagree... not because anything meaningful comes out of a relationship between15 year olds, because if it has, I've never heard of it. The fact is, it's fun, and it lets you make the mistakes that would have far more serious consequences later (emotionally anyway). As far as 16 being the 'magic age', the only way I agree with you there is the fact that when you're sixteen, you can drive. Seriously, a date where your mum has to drive you... well, it's a stretch to call it a date. Everybody matures at a different rate, so I don't believe you can really say that there's something different about being sixteen or fifteen and, say, seven months.

Answer 3

I think 11 year olds dating is a little weird, I agree. They're kind of playing with the idea, but proper kissing at that age etc. freaks me out a little. But basically I think once you get to 14/15, you are romantically attracted to the opposite sex. And you want to date and kiss and flirt etc. And so that's why. I'm 16 and I'm going out with a 21 year old. We really love each other... and I think it might continue to be a serious relationship well after I'm 18. So that's why. Hope this answers your question.

Answer 4

you have to go through a lot of bad relationships before you know how to do it right. i think even 17 and 18 are too young most of the times for serious relationships. marriages and couples that get together at that age usually don't last very long. i would suggest being with someone at least a year before considering spending the rest of your life with them and don't rush into anything. i think young people should date and learn from their mistakes. it will help you learn how to take care of your partner when you find someone you want to stay with forever.

Answer 5

it all depends on people maturity level. i do believe its better to date over the age of 16 maybe 18, if its under 18 its all fun and games untill you get serious. it all depends the person and what they want, a short or long term relation ship

Answer 6

The teenage years are a period of growth. No commitment is needed except the commitment to get a good education. Once the good, solid, education has been completed, the door is wide open for opportunities and to be successful at some of them.

Answer 7

Sixteen is the earlierst I would consider allowing my kids to date (if I had any)...there's simply no need to earlier than that, and they are kids for so few years anyway...allowing them to rush into pseudo-adult relationships too soon isn't doing them any favors...they really need to get their social skills honed well, before starting the dating game...

Some may be mature enough prior to 16, but no reason they can't wait...some may not be ready at 16 and it's fine for them to wait...

Answer 8

I believe that unless you intend to procreate or are willing to fall in love, it's always pointless to date. What do the sexes need each other for these days, anyway? (Not counting sex and breeding.) I'd rather focus on my career than pay any attention to men.

Answer 9

my b/f and I were like 15 and 14 when we started to date....now we are going to go to college together..I think it depends on the couple and their views. I mean if that were true, he and I would have lasted a month or so.

Answer 10

I think ur sorta right. but i don't think that people under 16 just shouldn't date because they're young bcause it's still good to hav the experience.