It's okay not to date!
It's not for everyone and that's okay! Be strong in your stand if you choose to put dating on hold to focus on education, family needs, career, or school.
But, if you date, here's some tips to keep it safe:
1. Plan Your Date Ahead
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Planning shows you care
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Planning protects you from spare time where things can “just happen”
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Protects you from getting bored
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Planning helps you find activities that can help you get to know each other better
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Gives you something to look forward to
2. Date in Groups
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Holds you accountable to stick to your standards
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Helps protect your boundaries
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More fun
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Keeps you safe especially if you don’t know the person well
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Helps keep things light and fun
3. Avoid Places Where Drugs & Alcohol are Present
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If you are under age this is an illegal activity
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Substances mess with your judgment-you may do things you wouldn’t have done otherwise
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Avoidance protects against getting taken advantage of
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Not showing respect for your health and well-being
4. Dress with Modesty in Mind
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What are you trying to say with your clothes?
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Not just an issue for girls: guys are you trying to look buff so a girl will notice your body?
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Dress with respect for yourself and others
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Would you want your younger sibling to dress this way?
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Do your clothes say something about you that isn’t true?
5. Don't Get Horizontal
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Allows things to “just happen”
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May send the wrong message to your date
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May make you push your boundaries or settle for less
