In high school, the only dating advice any adult ever told me was to completely stay away from dating. Many adults tell you that because their relationships didn't work out, but that doesn't mean yours doesn't have to. I'm so glad I never listened to them.

Dating in high school is not for everyone.

Not everyone is mature enough or ready for it. Not everyone wants to date in high school, and that is perfectly okay. I know tons of people who didn't date and were very happy.

Before you enter into a relationship there are many things you need to consider.

You need to love Christ and then yourself before you can love anyone else. If you are pursuing the Lord and keeping Him in the center of your life and relationships, you will find yourself to be much happier. Guard your heart. You need to protect yourself from people who will try to get you to compromise your morals. Know your values and morals before you go into a relationship. Don't settle.

Dating is potentially for marriage.

I mean, if you don't get married, your only option is to break up. Who dates someone planning to break up? No one. That would just cause you and your significant other heartache. Consider the other person before you go into a relationship with them. Does that person stand for the things you do? Do they have the same boundaries as you? Does that person respect you? Does that person have respect for others? Make a list of qualities you want in a person and see if they fit. I'm not saying you have to marry this person, but you should be dating towards the end goal.

Dating in high school can be beneficial for future relationships.

Even if your relationship in high school doesn't work out there is so much you can learn from it. You get the experience of caring for someone else and learning to communicate. You learn what qualities you do and don't like in a person.

Dating in high school can teach you what kind of people compliment you and what kind to stay away from.

I am not saying to go and date multiple people because you think they are just a little bit attractive, but take your chances and see what you learn. Guard your heart very carefully. Don't give it away just yet. Know that there is life after high school. Don't make your plans around someone, but make sure you're willing to put in the communication and effort to try to make it work. Don't rush into dating because it is not something you have to do in this season of life.

Lastly, pray for yourself. Pray for guidance. Pray for your future relationships. Pray for your future spouse. Pray for God's hand to be in every aspect of your life. Pursue Christ and let Him guide you to your person.