“My friend isn’t 16 yet, but she’s dating and lies about it. How can I help her see that dating so early isn’t a good thing to do?”

It’s hard to watch someone you care about make poor choices. It may be even harder to get through to her, especially if she feels strongly enough about this guy that she’s willing to be dishonest about their relationship.

Since your friend is trying to hide her dating, she probably already knows that it isn’t right. Let your friend know that you love her and care for her, even if you don’t agree with her choices. Don’t do anything to encourage her behavior, like lying for her.

In For the Strength of Youth it says that “a true friend will encourage you to be your best self” (“Friends,” 12). Perhaps the best way to do this for your friend is by example—by being your best self. Stay true to your standards. Invite her to activities that show her that she can make friends and have fun without dating. Your friend will see the benefits of waiting to date.

Pray for her and ask Heavenly Father how you can best help her. If you feel that she would be receptive to it, try discussing her choice to date before turning 16. Tell her why you think youth are advised to date only after 16. Encourage her to pray about her current choice and where it may lead her. Bear your testimony that waiting to date will keep her safe and clean.

Rules Protect Our Hearts

Try telling her that the rules the Church has aren’t just to keep her spiritually safe but also emotionally as well. The rules God and prophets of the Church have given us are there to protect our hearts.

Ashley K., 18, Washington, USA

Be Thou an Example

I would tell my friend that dating before the age of 16 is wrong. We’re too young then and probably not mature enough yet either. Also, we have been promised blessings if we heed the words of the prophets. I would make sure to be obedient to this counsel myself so that I can be a good example to my friend.

Luke J., 12, Arizona, USA

Pray for Help

Dating is meant to be a social tool to meet new people until you are old enough to go steady. You can try to explain to your friend that by dating before she is 16, she is missing out on fun social events. Each individual is best reached in different ways; so when in doubt, pray to your Heavenly Father and ask what He thinks you should do to help.

Aimee S., 18, New York, USA

Wait to Date

Some of the youth in my own ward decided to date earlier than 16, even dating each other, and I have been guilty too. I have learned that dating early and dating steady aren’t worth it in the long run. Explain to your friend that Heavenly Father has given us standards for a reason and that He cares for our safety and happiness. It is hard to do the right thing sometimes, especially when a lot of our peers are doing the opposite. But following the Lord’s standards will be the best decision you will ever make, and you will never regret it.

Elizabeth S., 17, Utah, USA

16 Marks Maturity

Sixteen marks the start of the maturity of our reasoning ability. We choose more effectively as we get older. Be sure to point out that dating before 16 opens up more possibility for immorality and violations to the standards of the Church.

Derrick T., 18, Pangasinan, Philippines

The Prophet Knows

I would try to convince them that dating isn’t a good idea through references to the gospel. The prophets have made it clear what they advise, and they have more experience than any teen. There are many problems that could arise from dating too early or with just one person. I would offer to go on a group date with them as soon as both of you are old enough. It would be safer, and the leaders of the Church know that.

Kimberly M., 14, Montana, USA

A Helping Friend

I recently went through this with one of my best friends. I know how you feel; it is hard to watch someone you care for make mistakes, but I gained a great testimony from it.

I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me know how to help her. The next day when I saw her at school, I realized that by being her friend and being an example to her, I was helping her. I was there when she needed me, and after she stopped dating, she told me that she was grateful for my example and how it had helped her see what mistakes she was making in her own life. Be someone she can turn to and talk to about anything. Don’t judge her—love her like Christ loves you.

Myrisa G., 17, Montana, USA

Use Your Resources

First, try to set aside some time with your friend so you can talk to her about dating. Before that time, say a prayer that she will understand your advice. During the talk, introduce her to the section on dating in For the Strength of Youth, or give her a copy of the document “Dating FAQs” in the April 2010 New Era. After showing it, bear your testimony.

Zachary M., 13, Nebraska, USA