15 high school dating lessons that you can actually use as an adult

First relationships are like tornados — they're bound to do some damage. Many couples go through first relationships together, which doesn't necessarily set them up to be a shining example of a healthy relationship. Add the fact that a lot of first relationships happen in high school — when people are hyped up on hormones and don't yet have fully developed brains — and it's no wonder that first love often ends in heartbreak. You could look back on that time and groan about how immature you were, or you could recognize all of the important lessons you learned that make dating so much better today.

We choose to do the latter. So, we asked people to tell us the solid dating lessons they learned and advice they heard when they first started dating. They may have had to go through some cringe-worthy moments, but the lessons these people learned gave them a sturdy foundation for dating in their adult lives. Read on for their advice.

1. Remember that every day after a breakup gets better.

"When my first boyfriend and I broke up (he dumped me), my heart was shattered. I remember my history teacher at the time gave me the best advice about breakups, and I've carried it with me since. He told me: 'Every day after a break up, it gets a little bit easier, it hurts a little less, and you feel a little more like yourself.'

"It helps to hear that and know that you can keep going, even when your entire world has been turned upside down." — Jen, 23

2. Love isn't the only thing you need to keep a relationship strong.

"I learned that no matter how much you love someone, or how much they love you, if the love doesn't fulfill most of what you, or they need, want, and expect, it just isn't going to work." — Phea1Mike via Reddit

3. It's best to learn from your own experience.

"As a woman you always hear messages about 'playing hard to get' and general sex-negative advice about not 'rushing' into sex. But, any solid advice I bring with me today into relationships are lessons I learned for myself through trial and error. Most of those lessons are about maintaining a sense of independence in a relationship, prioritizing communication, and knowing what you deserve." — Katie, 25

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