But even in relationships, there is stereotyping.
Teenage Relationships Stereotypes
One of the stereotypes is the teenage relationship. They believe that every teenage relationship is just a phase in their life. That it's an infatuation that will get over sooner or later. And that they can’t find true love at such a young age.
But who created such stereotypes? There can be many sources for it. Movies are one of the big factors that have molded the minds of the people. I wouldn’t say what the movies show us is 100% real or fake. There is an element of both real and fake but comparing it with real life and making a definite decision about it is not right.
As a matter of fact, a teenage relationship is equivalent to any relationship. They go through nearly the same things that the adults go through if not more. Now, this raises a question of, how do they go through more?
Most of you reading this is a teenager or was one and I hope you will be able to relate to what I say. It's not from personal experience but a collective experience of many people. Some of you could be able to relate to it and some of you won’t and it's not a problem. We are humans and we all have different opinions.
Before the 20th century, the word teenager wasn’t a known term. And it is only a term to categorize kids going through puberty/adolescence, that is, age group 13-19. This time of life is very crucial and delicate. It decides what the person is going to be in the future.
If you have read my article “Every Teenagers Dilemma” you would understand what I mean to say and if not, you can still understand what I am going to share.
This is a time period where you go through so many new things. Bodily changes to emotional changes. Everything starts becoming different. A pigtail girl becomes an Instagram star or a nose-picking boy becomes an athlete. All of these changes, cliché or not, starts during this period.
In addition to all of these new changes, you also start feeling attracted to a person. It might be one-sided (crush) or mutual. A mutual attraction can be an infatuation or it can be true. You never know, but no matter what it is you come into a relationship to explore.
Challenges for Teenagers
No relationship comes with a manual and all those who are in one know that it's not an easy job. But adults who are in relationships have their base strong. The foundation of individuality is built. But it's not the same case for teenagers, they are still building it, and being in a relationship at the same time is a challenge for them.
Then why be in a relationship? Rather concentrate on your studies and future. This notion is really wrong because it builds the base of their individuality that career is more important than love. Or maybe some other characteristic that deviates from prioritizing love.
These teenagers are already confused. They need support from their family. They are experiencing responsibility and other factors. Their thinking becomes complex and they start thinking beyond physical attractions. They need confidence and time to accept whether their relationship is right for them or not.
Those teenagers who have been in relationships have experienced things like major decision making, taking responsibility, showing compassion, and more which others experience or do after entering adulthood.
They face more challenges, like studies and parents. In many scenarios, parents don’t support it. They have their own reasons and are right from their point of view but it does not help the teen be any better. It keeps him/her always on the edge.
In addition to all of these new changes, you also start feeling attracted to a person. It might be one-sided (crush) or mutual. A mutual attraction can be an infatuation or it can be true. You never know, but no matter what it is you come into a relationship to explore.
Challenges for Teenagers
No relationship comes with a manual and all those who are in one know that it's not an easy job. But adults who are in relationships have their base strong. The foundation of individuality is built. But it's not the same case for teenagers, they are still building it, and being in a relationship at the same time is a challenge for them.
Then why be in a relationship? Rather concentrate on your studies and future. This notion is really wrong because it builds the base of their individuality that career is more important than love. Or maybe some other characteristic that deviates from prioritizing love.
These teenagers are already confused. They need support from their family. They are experiencing responsibility and other factors. Their thinking becomes complex and they start thinking beyond physical attractions. They need confidence and time to accept whether their relationship is right for them or not.
Those teenagers who have been in relationships have experienced things like major decision making, taking responsibility, showing compassion, and more which others experience or do after entering adulthood.
They face more challenges, like studies and parents. In many scenarios, parents don’t support it. They have their own reasons and are right from their point of view but it does not help the teen be any better. It keeps him/her always on the edge.
Doing things and committing mistakes becomes their routine because they have intensified emotions right now. What they are doing might be right or wrong but they are not able to see it.
An Advice to Parents
Forcing them into leaving it or anything related to it other than support is just going to trigger the negatives in them which, in the future, will become the base of their character.
When I say support, I don’t mean to give them the freedom to do whatever they please. I mean to give them a wide perspective. Don’t always hold them back, give them an opportunity to fly so that they don’t attempt to break free and never come back.
An Advice to Parents
Forcing them into leaving it or anything related to it other than support is just going to trigger the negatives in them which, in the future, will become the base of their character.
When I say support, I don’t mean to give them the freedom to do whatever they please. I mean to give them a wide perspective. Don’t always hold them back, give them an opportunity to fly so that they don’t attempt to break free and never come back.
Give them a loving heart-to-heart conversation on what you think about this relationship and even listen to them.
We all know the future is unpredictable and anything can happen. But every action and reaction also has an effect on the future.
We all know the future is unpredictable and anything can happen. But every action and reaction also has an effect on the future.
If you keep on trying to break their relationship, even if that relationship wasn’t good for them, they might end up disliking you or with a suitcase full of insecurities or doubtfulness about themselves which could affect their relationship with their partner in the future.
Parents, your actions might be out of love but a change in approach can do miracles. It might even help you learn. Keeping open minds and learning is a good trait that we all can embrace within ourselves. We should also have the heart to learn from anyone; our kids, elders, youngsters, teenagers.
Parents, your actions might be out of love but a change in approach can do miracles. It might even help you learn. Keeping open minds and learning is a good trait that we all can embrace within ourselves. We should also have the heart to learn from anyone; our kids, elders, youngsters, teenagers.
Everything that you learn, can do good to you.
Moreover, you need to believe that everything in ours or our loved one’s lives happens for a reason. A reason which can change for good or bad depending on your role in it as well. Next time, if you are going to scold your kid for being in a relationship, stop yourself.
Moreover, you need to believe that everything in ours or our loved one’s lives happens for a reason. A reason which can change for good or bad depending on your role in it as well. Next time, if you are going to scold your kid for being in a relationship, stop yourself.
For once, think that if you were in that kind of relationship, would you want to be scolded by your parents or be able to talk to them and maybe in the future seek advice from them. A thought like this can do wonders. A little bit of trying every day to be in someone else’s shoes might help you as well.
Written by - Farheen Firoz
Edited by - Rudransh Khurana
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