Advice for teens about relationships

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Teens - Advice On Relationships

Friendships

Friendships are tricky, wonderful, complicated and beautiful all at the same time. The reason for this is because relationships involve more than one person and the ideas, beliefs or values that each different person brings with them into communion with others. There is no one person, no matter who they are, that you agree with about everything. Similarly, there is no one person that you completely disagree with about everything. Because friendships involve two or more imperfect beings, they can be complex and multifaceted.

Everyone needs friends. Even Jesus, the Son of God and the most perfect man to walk the Earth, needed friends. He enlisted the help and services of his 12 Disciples to follow and go with him during his ministry. If the Savior of the world needs friends, certainly we do too! Check out this article about the importance of friendships at Family Works.

Friendships need time and commitment. "Instant friendships" just don't happen. Think of a friendship as a seed in a garden. First, you must go out and find a seed to plant. Second, the seed must be put into good soil and then watered and cared for lovingly. Even after the seed develops into a flowering plant and appears healthy, it needs continued water, sunlight and the care of a watchful eye.

Friendships are like that. First, you must find other people with similar interests, values and goals, good seeds. Second, you need to plant those friendships in rich soil, the soil of honesty, trust, dependability and care. As the friendship grows and develops these things must continue to keep the relationship healthy. Even after many years, things such as time and commitment remain important to friendships.

Dating and Love Relationships:

Similar to friendships, dating relationships must be fostered with time and care. It is important to remember that a more intimate relationship generally succeeds if there is a friendship first. Entering into a close relationship with someone before developing a friendship can sometimes result in disappointment or even heart break.

Josh McDowell, author of the "Handbook on Counseling Youth" has a lot of great advice on defining love: What Love Is and What Love Isn't

Relationships going deeper than everyday acquaintances and friendships can be both exciting and tough. Even adults experience turmoil in these types of relationships sometimes. Couples that have been married for fifty years still cannot avoid the occasional argument or disagreement. Be patient with yourself and the person you are developing a relationship with.

Spiritual Relationships:

Having a relationship with God is the most important one that anyone can ever develop. People will mess-up, your parents might get on your nerves, a friend may betray you and a serious relationship might crumble because of cheating, but God will always be a constant companion. Check out these tips on developing a stronger relationship with God at http://www.christianitytoday.com

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