Dating Advice for Teens Part 3: Balance your Priorities

With school starting up, there are a lot of things on our minds. Although you’re busy buying new clothes and stocking up on school supplies, one thing’s always in the back of our minds with a big flashing light: Boys. You summer romance might still be going strong or maybe you’ve found the courage to talk to that guy you’ve always had a crush on. No matter what your boy business is, don’t let it distract you too much.

The important thing now is knowing which is more important: school or guys. I can answer that for you right now. School is more important! You can’t have fun flirting or dating, though, as long as you have the important stuff done. Your first priority should be school and other activities such as sports, school clubs, band, or a job. I have dance three nights a week (although it’s been up to 5 before), and I’m the editor of the podcast at my school.

Although I don’t currently have a boyfriend, I did have one all last year. Somehow I found time to get all my things done, and still spend time with him. He was super busy too, so don’t forget that guys also have other commitments.

Follow these tips to balance your time:

• Figure out how much time to devote to your after-school activities.
• Set aside that amount of time PLUS a little extra for breaks.
• Instead of saving homework for later, do it right when you get home.

Now that that’s out of the way, you have time for the fun things. And don’t forget family!

• Try not to spend every night out. Once you get older and start thinking about moving away to college, you’ll regret missing the family time. Even if that means just watching TV with your parents, it’s important to them.
• If you have a boyfriend, it’s important not to let your friends think you’re ditching them to be with him all the time. It’s also important for your boyfriend to feel like you’re devoting enough time to him. Find a happy balance. If you hung out with your friends all last weekend, spend most of this weekend with your boyfriend. You can even try to include everyone in your plans, if it fits. Your boyfriend can even invite his friends and make it a party! The more the merrier!
• If you don’t have a significant other, but have your eye on the guy you’ve been hanging out with, the same rule applies. Don’t ditch your friends just to chase a guy. You’ll end up losing the guy and possibly losing some friends. I don’t want that happening to you!

There are tons of other ways to balance your time. A lot of it is just getting in a routine that works for you personally.

Have any more good time management ideas? Let us know!