How to Deal With Teen Relationship Problems

Even though you may feel like you're a "grown-up," during your teen years you're still new to the wild world of relationships. As if romance wasn't challenging enough on its own to deal with, having little experience with dating and love can make relationship problems seem like obstacles that you can't overcome. If you're struggling with your relationship, take a breath, take a look at the situation and take the time that you need to feel more comfortable with your dating dilemma.

Understanding the difference between a crush and a real relationship can save you heartache and time. When you have an intense attraction toward someone, but don't really know him, it's more of a crush than love, notes the TeensHealth website in the article "Love and Romance." Mistaking a crush for a serious relationship can result in disappointment. For example, if you've been on a few dates with the cute guy from your lit class, don't convince yourself that you two are exclusive or in a committed relationship just yet. Talk to him about your feelings and start getting to know him better. The closer that you two get, the more likely it is that your relationship will grow into something real.

The teen years are a time of growth. You aren't just physically developing, but are also discovering who you are and growing as an individual. Part of this process is getting to know other people, and figuring out what you're looking for in a romantic partner. Although personal growth is a plus, when it comes to your teen relationships it can cause problems. As you grow and change, you may seek out new experiences with new people This means that even though Jane seems ideal for you one week, Beth may be more your speed the next. Instead of jumping from relationship to relationship or causing problems with every person who you date, keep things casual until you meet someone who you can truly care about.

It's been a few weeks and your new girlfriend seems like she's hiding something. If you constantly feel suspicious or accuse her of cheating, you may have trust issues according to "What's Your Relationship Reality?" on StayTeen.org. Don't expect to build trust in your relationship overnight, developing trust takes time and honesty. Before you start pointing fingers, checking her texts or asking where she's been, take a look at how she's really acting. If your girlfriend is always open with you, it's time to give her the benefit of the doubt and trust her. On the other hand, if she says that she's out with her friends but you catch her with her ex, you need to have a serious discussion about what's going on. If you catch her lying to you, consider ending the relationship.

Any romantic relationship, including those in your early dating years, requires respect. This means that you need to value his opinions, thoughts and boundaries. The same goes for him when it comes to your needs. If your boyfriend is crossing your boundaries or pressuring you to do things that you have already said "no" to, stand up for yourself. When one person challenges the other's boundaries, problems can quickly arise according to TeensHealth "Am I in a Healthy Relationship?" Let him know that he's making you feel uncomfortable and that he needs to respect you as much as you respect him. If he refuses to listen or doesn't seem to care about your boundaries, end the relationship and wait for someone who respects you.