What Age Should You Start Dating?

This question ‘at what age should you start dating?’ is a confusing question to every teenager who is thinking about dating. Even parents ask this question on behalf of their children just to know if they are mature enough to talk about dating or even go on a date.

Maturity matters a lot when it comes to dating, especially in real life. Nevertheless, online dating has craved way for both younger and older people in the dating circle. But wait! Does the age gap really matter in a relationship?

In this post, we are going to consider what is a good age to begin dating, and the merit and demerits of dating at a tender age.

what age should you start dating?

The research by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that ” on average, girls start dating at the age of twelve (12) and half, whereas that of boys begins at thirteen (13) years old and half.” But this is not the generally accepted age one should start dating because we all have different morals and ethics.

what is a good age to start dating

You should start dating at the age of 18 years. The adolescent age which begins from age 10- 19 is a phase of life between childhood and adulthood. And it is assumed that anyone from the age of 18 and above has a sense of personal judgment. Therefore, they are mature enough to choose whoever they want to date, what they should and shouldn’t do while on a date.

So, you should think of having a boyfriend or a girlfriend at the age of 18 years. By then you have become mature enough to handle matters of the heart. But most teenagers who start dating from the age of 12, 13, 14, and even 15 often have a short-term relationship. The reason is that their emotions are still swinging. That is why they quickly end their relationship at any slightest provocation. They are just yet to discover the type of person they want for themselves.

Read also: How to get a boyfriend without stressing yourself.

Pros of dating too early

One major advantage of dating at a younger age is that it makes you smarter when it comes to the issue of love. Because you have experienced love and heartbreaks, it will no longer be a new experience to you as you continue to meet and date new people.

Dating early also gives you a solution to some problems you might have encountered in your previous relationships.

Cons of dating at an early stage

One of the disadvantages of dating at a tender age is the distractions attached to it. Most teenagers, especially students get distracted as soon as they enter into the dating world. That was why I said, maturity matters a lot when it comes to dating.

You should examine yourself and know if you are physically and emotionally mature to start thinking about another person. Love is all about having the interest of your partner at heart.

So, in order not to be distracted, you need to be mature enough before you jump into the dating circle. But, if your main aim of dating is to get to know people and interact with them, then there is nothing wrong with dating at a younger age.

Conclusion

18 years is the appropriate age one should think of dating. Whether you are a girl thinking about having a boyfriend, or a boy who wants a girlfriend, you should make sure you are mature enough to handle the challenges associated with dating.

Furthermore, you are the controller of your life. My suggestion of at least 18yrs old may not connate with your own perception. But what matters most is the maturity in you.

If you are not up to 18, and you feel you are emotionally mature enough to have a boyfriend or a girlfriend, then there is nothing wrong with that.

You should consider having a serious date from the age of 20 and above. But once you get to 25 years, you should aim for or towards marriage.