Love is something that is complicated no matter what age you are, but for teens who still have a developing mind, it is even more difficult. In today’s day in age, most teenagers believe that they hold the key to a healthy relationship. However, do teens really know what it takes to have a healthy relationship? The answer is absolutely not.
Most teens tend to model their relationships off of what they see on social media. Influenced by the content they consume, they have built what they have deemed as a perfect relationship. In reality, it is setting many unrealistic expectations for what a relationship is supposed to be.
We often see that adults love to flaunt their picture perfect relationships with expensive gifts and trips from their significant others. Teens see this and often expect the same from their partners that are still in high school. The fascination with perfection can often lead to toxicity in relationships.
Miscommunication in a healthy relationship can lead to actual consequences. Teens are more likely to stay in these unhealthy relationships because they do not or are unable to recognize the signs of toxicity or abusiveness.
According to Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, “1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults. Nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violence or abusive dating behaviors.”
As adolescents, our minds are continuing to develop. Reasoning is at times something that teenagers do not often do well. Whether that be family problems or internal issues, a lot of these matters can factor into relationships, causing it to become toxic.
The obsession with toxicity in relationships is a highly troubling issue. The jealousy and possessive nature of couples is now seen as cute and a sign of dedication of love that the person holds for another. Instead of being seen as the red flag that it is.
At the end of the day, most teens need to realize that grand acts and gestures are not what make a relationship healthy. Instead, it is about mutual understanding and communication throughout the relationship.
