long term relationships at a young age

Just wondering, do people think they're a good thing?
I know people who have been together since Year 10, and that was seven years ago!
People change so much as teenagers, so do you think if you stay in a relationship with the same person you might be missing out on lots of "teenage" experiences?
Just asking cos I cant imagine being with someone for so long at such a young age really!
Although it might be good to have someone to love and be with, surely it might prevent you from doing certain things like studying abroad, or just learning to be secure on your own?
Im not really sure what I think - the question is, do you think they're a good thing?

Reply 1

bean69

I went out with a girl for two years when i was 15 and i agree that you miss out on alot when looking back. When i turned 17 in 6th form i changed and finished with my then gf. In my own experience it wasnt a good thing, i dont know anyone that got together at a young age who is still together but others im sure will disagree.

Reply 2

frost105

14

Each to their own really but no I dont think its good really and wouldnt want my kids to be in such long relationships.

Reply 3

BlackHawk

17

I was in a 2 year relationship from the age of 16. I enjoyed being with the person, but I was never going to end up married to the guy. I just think people of that age are too immature to ever have a serious relationship. I may get jumped on for saying that but when you're 21 you look back, and you know you were immature.

Reply 4

tbm

13

Ive been with my boyfriend for 4 and a half years, since I was 17. I dont feel Ive missed out on anything, actually I feel like Ive done a lot of stuff that I wouldnt if we werent together, like travelling. Im at university, he has his own career and we own a house together. Ive still been able to do all the stuff I wanted.

I know lots of people that were in the same situation as me, some relationships have worked and others havent. I have a friend the same age as me who got married last year, the marriage lasted 2 months and she is now doing her own thing. On the other hand, I have friends who have been in relationships for years and are still together, I think it all depends on the person and how committed you are to each other.

Reply 5

Saffie

11

I know 2 people who were together from year 8 until yr 11. I don't think it's a bad thing. I don't think they missed out on anything, if anything they will have better experiences of innocent, teen love :smile:

Reply 6

fleur-de-lis

1

My flatmate has been married for 8 years to her childhood sweetheart... so it can work.

Reply 7

veryrandom

10

One teacher at my school married her boyfriend from y10 (she's in her 30's now). It guess it solely depends on the person. Personally, I couldn't imagine being with somebody from the age I am now until we are old! I mean, to put up with one same person the rest of your life?! Would drive me nuts.

Reply 8

Hoofbeat

14

Do people have similar opinions on long term relationships with your first bf?

Reply 9

Shelbycakes

i suppose it depends on when you meet "the one". my boyfs mum and stepdad, were childhood sweethearts got married at 18, then got divorced and are now married again!

Reply 10

Helenia

20

Hoofbeat

Do people have similar opinions on long term relationships with your first bf?

I don't know - depends on the people. Some people are quite happily married to their first bf/gf, but I'd suspect they're in the minority. I wouldn't recommend it in general but it works for some.

Reply 11

Logan

4

Its quite good if you spend a good amount of time with the ne you love but it is better if you get to have a good experience in a number of relationships. Just like some pair i knew who got married. They had a relationship when they were both 16 and got married when they both turned 26. And yeah, they had a break for 5 years and had a relationship with other people just to see if it would work out and in the end they were still the pair... and their marriage is great

Reply 12

hlg29

i have been with my boyfriend since i was 15 yrs im now 21yrs, got a flat together and spend alot of time together. I havent really missed much cause i still do what i want and go out with my mates all the time.

Reply 13

Poobah

I think it depends on the person and the relationship.
I've been in a relationship since the start of sixth form and I don't feel it's held me back. I've been travelling with a friend this holiday and, having been single for a year prior to the relationship, know that I'm still independent. Having been through typical teenage experiences (boyfriends who either; were losers, hassled me for sex, smelt really bad, ect...) I don't think I'm missing out on much. Having said that my brother split with a long term girlfriend before going to uni as he wanted to be free and independent, looking at him now (four years on) it was clearly the best decision for him, so I suppose It's a matter of everyone doing what feels right to them.

Reply 14

_poptart_

OP

2

nasht

Its quite good if you spend a good amount of time with the ne you love but it is better if you get to have a good experience in a number of relationships.

Yeah thats why i thought maybe being with the same person might not be the best idea.
i think its a good thing to be able to meet loads of new people (which might be harder to do in a long-term relationship with the same person).

I agree with a lot of people here saying that it depends on the person, but i feel that if I had a boyfriend throughout my teenage years it would affect a lot of things that you can do in your teens.
Although, I would love to have a long term boyfriend to get all the regular cuddles and stuff :biggrin:

Reply 15

Fleece

15

The only thing it really affects is kissing/doing rudies with other people.

Reply 16

Lirael Abhorsen

1

well i think it can make people grow up too quickly in some situations, a good friend of mine started going out with her bf at beginning of yr 10 and was with him 2.5 years and got really bad depression etc. it also stopped her from being as close to her friends and as she was used to spending 24/7 with him she's quite distant from her school friends now.

Reply 17

adamu

hlg29

i have been with my boyfriend since i was 15 yrs im now 21yrs, got a flat together and spend alot of time together. I havent really missed much cause i still do what i want and go out with my mates all the time.

Reply 18

Adhsur

15

Even though there is intuitively something sweet about a serious relationship when you're so young, I think chances of success are limited. At that age you will be changing all the time - when you are older you probably won't have anything in common anymore, or the reasons for being with that person will be very different to those for getting in a relationship with them in the first place.

Reply 19

mrcheese

I've been with my bf now for just over 2 years, I'm 17 now. It's all been pretty good. I think it's helped me grow up, but not too quickly or harshly. Also it's nice to have support and company, plus no sexual frustration :wink:

. We're splitting for uni though, i have a feeling it would get in the way of experiences there...

long term relationships at a young age

Related discussions

Articles for you