It was the start of my freshmen year in high school and all I could think about was how I was going to fit in and what other people would think of me. Having a boyfriend was the last thing I worried about. As school started to become a routine, I began to relax and act like myself. I was involved in sports, which helped me meet and get to know new people.

About a month into the school year, I began dating a sophomore guy I thought was cute and liked a lot. We hit it off from the start. I got along with his family and vice versa. We both had common interests which made it easier to hang around and talk to him. We'd both spend time with our friends but after a while we spent most of our time together.

Our relationship only lasted three months, but during that time I got to know little things about him that hardly anyone else knew. We shared many good times and I will always have those memories and pictures to look back upon. Even though we have been broken up for over a year, we are still friends. I know that if I had a major problem I could count on him for advice. I no longer have any regrets, but have learned a great deal from this experience and have become a better person because of it.

If I could give you any advice it would be this: Get to know the person before you start a relationship. Do not rush into anything without realizing what qualities both of you expect your relationship to have. Proceed with care so that even if you stop dating the two of you can remain friends or at least be able to look at and talk to one another. Last of all, love -- grace -- is the greatest gift God has blessed us with. Because of his love and the forgiveness that comes with it, live out his love in your relationships in a way that honors him.

Check out the sister article, Seven Principles for Christian Dating.

Adrienne Osmus lives in Thornton, CO. She is 16 and enjoys writing, camping, photography, music and sports at school (volleyball, basketball, and soccer).