There are a lot of differences between dating in your teens and dating in your twenties. Some people even say that dating gets better with age, being a much more pleasant experience when you are a bit older. Even if everyone wants to be loved, we usually tend to crave contrasting things and as we grow older, our tastes and preferences change and this affects our love life too. We get to know ourselves better and we know exactly what we are looking for in a partner. Here are some of the most important differences between dating in your teens and dating in your 20s that you should consider:
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1. True Compatibility Matters Much More
One of the most important differences between dating in your teens and dating in your 20s is the fact that you care more if you and your potential date have the same interests or the same goals in life. Liking the same movies or the same music isn’t quite enough anymore. You want someone who takes risks, who works hard and who learns something new every day, basically someone who inspires you to be better.
2. Dating Rules Don’t Matter to You so Much Anymore
In your twenties, especially in your late twenties, you tend to dislike the term dating rules. You realized that those so-called rules didn’t help you that much in years past so you are tired of playing games. You know better what you want and you do everything in your power to obtain it.
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3. You Communicate Better with Your Partner
Along with age comes maturity, independence and assertiveness. You know how to communicate better and you are more likely get what you want when you actually ask for it and when you consider the other person’s feelings too.
4. You’ll See Each Other More Often
When you were a teen, you couldn’t see your boyfriend as often as you would have wanted because you had homework to do, tasks to take care of and your parents didn’t let you hang out too much with your loved one because they feared that you were getting too serious too quickly. Now, when you are in your 20s, you can see your boyfriend as often as you like, you could even say that he’s basically living in your apartment.
5. You Want Direction in Your Relationship
While as a teen, you were looking for excitement, for someone you feel a spark with, even if the two of you were not compatible, in your twenties, especially in your late twenties, you want some direction in your relationship. Fun and spontaneity are nice to have in every relationship but you are looking for someone with whom you can have a future.
6. You Want Someone with Whom You Can Grow
If as a teen, you were looking for someone who was enjoyable, with whom you could have fun, in your twenties (late twenties), you are looking for someone who makes you a better individual. You can have fun with a lot of people (friends, family members) but a partner should help you move forward and become the best version of you.
7. Character Matters More than Looks
As a teen, you wanted to date someone who was very attractive and you often neglected their personality flaws. That’s why they ended up breaking your heart. As you grow older, you’ll learn more about yourself and you’ll learn to treasure character over looks and you will look for someone with great looks but also, with a beautiful personality.
Dating is not always easy, no matter how old or how experienced you are. But just keep in mind that you will find Mr. Right, as long as you don’t give up searching. Just relax, have fun and enjoy the ride. Do you know any other differences between dating in your teens and 20s? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
Comments
Kelsey_Molton: I am 15 years old, and I find that I do not act as a normal teenager. I already look for these features and I have found a sweet 15 year old boyfriend. It's not his looks, it's not his "comical acts," it is his down-to-Earth personality. I fell for his compatibility. We think of our future rather than if he throws good parties (which he throws none). We're in love. For each other, not for fun.
Claire: Been with my fiancé since I was 16 and now I'm nearly 19. I'm in it for the long haul. Communication is perfect. Everything is perfect.
Sarah: Actually I think I agree with this. I just turned twenty and I'm in a relationship that is almost perfectly what was described. I thought my previous relationship was too until I figured out that it was actually for a lot of the teen reasons that seemed like better reasons (because I've never been a superficial person). It doesn't make sense if you're a teenager now, but this is largely accurate.
peony: I think esp women if we just enjoyed our relationships more then we are bound to have greater relationship .naturally as a woman ur biological clock is subconsciously ticking whether you are a teenager or in your forties but importantly you have to enjoy your relationships and move on when it doesn't work out it gives you ample power to weed out the crappy men and as you get much older the chances are you will find yourself your man and hopefully you grow together. Just a thought ...
Emma: I agree @jillian Peres
Jillian: I think all those are true but I'm 16 and a teenager, obviously and not all of these statements apply for me. Like for example, I like good with good looks but a great personality. I used to date boys for their popularity and looks back in middle school but now I like older boys because they tend to be more mature and they have better personalities. I've been talking to these 19 year old boy for about seven months now and I just love how he's mature, we distance ourselves (as in we don't see each other everyday), he's got a charming personality, and he's pretty cute. So my point is, some teens are more mature than others when dating.
Ellie: These are huge differences... If you're a superficial and shallow teenager, I'm 16 and in a relationship (2 years) and I constantly think of whether he has all of these qualities
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