Dating? Say What?

I think one of the strangest things for a mom is when her son starts dating. For me it is extra strange because I work at the high school and see teenagers all day long. Both boys have taken dates to homecoming each year but Tyler is the first of the twins to begin the dating adventure.

His first girlfriend was one of my art students and very sweet. They dated for about six months in all. Last summer she would go with us on the boat and for me it was hard to get used to wearing a swim suit in front of one of my students. It is kind of like I never leave school. I enjoy my privacy and it is hard for me to be constantly surrounded by teenagers. I need a break from young people on occasion. It is also hard to get used to having another girl around. I have always been surrounded by a house full of men, (the dog is even male).

Tyler broke up with girlfriend number one. He asked my advice about how he should break up with her. I told him first of all you should always talk to the person face to face. I told him, ask her to lunch and tell her how you are feeling. He followed this advice and while it was hard he did the right thing. A lot of teenagers break up through text and I personally think that is the chicken way to go. I am trying to raise good men and they need to take responsibility for their actions. The breakup went as good as it could go however Tyler did get flustered and hit a car in the parking lot. He was nervous and a new driver. He did the right thing on this occasion as well and searched the stores for the owner of the car. Thankfully, it was a young military guy and he told Tyler listen man no big deal. So breakup number one was nerve wracking and a bit stressful but he actually survived the venture.

Ty stayed single for awhile and then met girlfriend number two. She is another sweet girl and I am thankful he picks the sweet ones. She is kind and treats him well. She is a junior while he is a sophomore however they are both the same age. He really likes her and they spend a lot of time together although they both have school activities, sports and jobs so that limits their contact some. He is going to prom next weekend with her and that was not something on my radar for this year. Last week we went to get his tux, wow have tux prices inflated since my wedding and high school days. His tux (he had to get the skinny tux-which of course costs more) was over $200.00. I told him since you are working you need to pay for half of the tux. His girlfriend is a thrift shopper (which I also like) and she got her dress for $14.00. Ty's rented tux is more than his dates dress. How does that happen? This will probably be another summer of me in the dreaded swim suit in front of a high school student. Ugh why does that bother me so?

James is so funny while he loves girls and has some on his radar he just does not want to date. He told me, " listen mom every guys who gets a steady girlfriend winds up swimming horrible." He went on to say, "they hit a plateau and never drop time." "They are so distracted." He wants to focus on his swimming and school. He is wise beyond his years and told me I have a lifetime to date, I don't need to start now.

He is right about being distracted. The other morning I got up and Tyler had left the pizza out all night, the fridge door was left open (all night) and I fell over his shoes in the kitchen. He came home from work dropped his shoes in the middle of the kitchen, took the pizza out of the fridge, ate some and just left it all. Tyler has been like that since he started dating sweet girl number two. His mind is a million miles away and he can't seem to focus on anything.

Dating,does it every get easier for the parents? It is such an exciting and fun time in your child's life but it also can be very stressful. I am thankful that so far both girls that Ty has picked treat him well and are kind. I do not think I could survive a mean girl. Growing up, so many changes in just a few short years. It is hard to keep up with how rapidly life is changing. Fellow mom's send me some tips, how do you survive the dating years?