These are a few things I wish I knew or was told back when I was 14; the age I started dating. I was naive to a lot of things; I didn't know people abused their partners and I'd always believe everything a guy told me, then be shocked when it wasn't the truth. I'm hoping this might help younger girls to realise that this stuff does happen and it can happen to you.
Disclaimer: I am aware that not all guys are like what are stated below. Potential triggers.
1. They will lie to you.
Everybody lies and unfortunately, that includes the guy you love with all your heart. You can't believe everything they say, but that doesn't mean you can call them a liar all the time - just be cautious and keep your wits about you.
2. Some will abuse you.
It's hard to believe that someone you love and someone who supposedly loves you could abuse you but it happens a lot. It's easy to say it won't happen to you but it can happen subtly, so it's always good to be aware of the red flags of abuse before you start a relationship. Being aware and knowledgeable is your best protection.
A lot of young girls fall into this trap I find. It may feel nice that he "cares" about you, but it's not right if he's "protecting" you from everyone, isolating you and/or telling where you can and can't go.
3. Trust your instincts.
If something a guy says or does doesn't feel right to you, even if you don't know why, then there's a good chance there's something not right there and you should trust your gut feelings. This could apply to anyone.
4. There's a 90% chance he fancies his female best friend.
In my experience, this has been the case and is often why women don't like their boyfriends having female best friends. However, you have no right to control who he talks to or befriends. It's something you just have to accept.
5. Guys can be disloyal.
No matter how much they tell you that they feel strongly about loyalty and that they could never cheat, don't believe it 100%. Not everything someone tells you is true and unfortunately, being cheated on is almost inevitable nowadays but it's not worth your time worrying about it.
6. Sexual Assault
Rape and sexual assault can and does happen in relationships. It is no different to a stranger doing it to you and it does not mean they love you and really are attracted to you, no matter what they say, it's wrong. Coercing someone into sex through blackmail, continuous pestering (despite saying no), trickery or playing of emotions, is also considered sexual assault, yet it does not get spoken about enough. Consent isn't black and white.
A guy pestering you to have sex continuously until you decide to say yes, JUST to shut him up, is still not consent. This issue may arise as young boys will be interested in sex and want to do it a lot, so they may give you the cold shoulder if you refuse (emotional manipulation) or keep begging for sex for over an hour and will not talk about anything else. In short, you should only have to say "no" once and that be the end of it.
Relationships take a lot of work and aren't easy, especially for young teenagers who have little knowledge about it all or the true tendencies of human beings. It's always helpful to be knowledgeable before entering into a relationship and I hope this gives some insight to young girls.
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