There comes a time in our young adulthood when we embark on a journey that allows us to grow, understand who we are as individuals, and think about who we want to become. This experience comes with a roller coaster of emotions, peer pressure, and feelings of euphoria. Dating is a new responsibility that brings us closer to others on an emotional and physical level, opening the gateway to vulnerability. Dating for the first time can be filled with anxiety, excitement, joy and, of course, love. However, nobody really knows what to expect when they enter the world of dating.

Whether your first date is at the age of 16 or 21, it is important to understand that dating is an individualized experience. There is no expected age that marks the beginning of dating, as everyone prepares and matures at their own pace. Dating depends on your readiness to open yourself up and explore romance as well as the the circumstances surrounding your current situation. While some simply look forward to dating earlier than others, the transition to this new world can also be related to your needs at the moment and what you choose to prioritize. Some prioritize dating while others prioritize different needs before entering a relationship for the first time. There is no right or wrong answer. Whatever path you choose, you should know that dating is an individual experience and no one’s dating life is – or will be – the same.

When you decide to enter the world of dating, you should know that there will be times when you feel pressured to engage in activities that put you in an uncomfortable position. Peer pressure tends to play a large role in one’s decision to date, but I advise you to remember that you are not required to give in to any of these social pressures. Since dating is about growing and deeply connecting with another individual on a whole new level, there will be times when you question your comfort zone and whether to step beyond it. Furthermore, because we are unsure of what to expect when we date for the first time, we often forget to consider our personal boundaries. I advise you to keep keep in mind your personal boundaries and remember that you are not required to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Dating should be a fun and exciting new experience — not one that is intimidating and full of peer pressure.

The longer you date and the more people you date, you will evidently discover which personality and character traits you look for in a partner. Through this process, you will come to a deeper understanding of your personality by developing a stronger sense of self-awareness. Dating, I believe, allows you to experiment with how your personality works with others and how you can co-exist with another person in the same space. Eventually, you will figure out who or what you are looking for in a relationship and dating will have more of a meaning.

It is also worth mentioning that dating in high school and dating in college differ in purpose, end goals, and outcomes. I can tell you that dating in high school can not only be awkward, but it comes with a plethora of emotions- both highs and lows. Oftentimes, there is uncertainty in a high school relationship due to the unknown vision of what the future holds after high school graduation. There are certainly a lot of questions to think about: will you stay together after graduation? Do you want to try long distance? What are your plans after high school and what are your priorities? More specifically, high school relationships often end up as long-distance relationships once you both leave for college, and with this transition, you or your significant other may have the urge to explore what else is out there in college. From what I have seen, dating in college often has a purpose, end goal, and a foreseeable outcome. This means that you date with the  intention to consider and discuss the probable future with your significant other. Though, I should also mention that college can be the very first time you date, and that is okay. Upon college graduation, I have seen college couples move forward with their relationship or split and choose to pursue other interests with a mutually amicable breakup. Sure, there is also an unforeseeable future after college graduation, but many choose to venture on their own as a young adult, making decisions regarding how they will spend the rest of their life. The great thing about college is that everyone is on a different playing field. Of course, like me, there are some high school relationships that survive the long distance, don’t get me wrong. Dating is what two people make it of, and in the end, it is ultimately about how you two choose to move forward from high school or college and beyond.

Dating for the first time is something that brings an overwhelming flood of feelings and emotions, and you really do not know what to expect. What’s a better way to learn about who you are than through sharing your space, thoughts, worries, and excitement with someone else? That's the beauty of dating.