11 Ways Living With a Tween Feels Just Like Dating

home insemination Kit

Having two tweens in my home has reignited many of the emotions I felt while dating—insecurities, dramatic exchanges, and worries about where our “relationship” is headed. The questions echo familiar sentiments: What did I mess up? What were they thinking? Why am I acting this way? And of course, the biggest question of all: Will this relationship last?

In dating, you can easily walk away if things go south. But with tweens, that’s not an option. Trust me, I’ve tried. They always return—usually muddy and on the hunt for snacks. Here are a few ways that cohabiting with a tween mirrors the dating experience:

1. No matter how well things seem to be going, that nagging fear lingers that they might “just not be that into you.”
2. You misinterpret their signals: They say “I need some space,” and you assume baking cookies is the solution.
3. You find yourself up late pondering: Why aren’t they talking to me? Was it something I said?
4. You get to know their friends, just to stay in the loop about their activities.
5. You suddenly find yourself reading all those relationship articles online: “Are you living with a narcissist?” “How to tell if he’s interested,” and “10 ways to grab his attention when he seems oblivious.”
6. You constantly treat them to outings and gifts, questioning if you’re just their personal ATM. Are you just their sugar mama?
7. It stings when they prefer hanging out with friends over spending time with you, and you try to hide your disappointment—though you don’t always succeed.
8. When things get tough, you sense they’re trying to convey, “It’s not you; it’s me.” And they genuinely mean it: “No, really, it’s me…everything’s about me!”
9. You find yourself checking your phone obsessively, imagining all sorts of wild scenarios for their silence.
10. You nostalgically flip through old pictures, reminiscing about the “good old days.”
11. When the going gets rough, friends reassure you, “Don’t stress; it’s just a phase. They’ll come around,” and “They love you, they just don’t know how to show it yet.”

Even though tweens might make you question the strength of your bond, they have a unique way of reminding you they’re in it for the long haul. They leave little reminders behind that they still need you—like that dirty hoodie on the floor (so cute!), the cups left by the sink (adorable!), or the homework left on the counter (too precious!). Clearly, they still want us in their lives. A dinner this Saturday night with a wallet-busting shopping spree and an overpriced movie? I thought you’d never ask!

For more relatable stories and insights, check out this other blog post about home insemination techniques, or if you’re looking for ways to boost fertility, visit Fertility Booster for Men. For understanding success rates, WebMD provides excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Living with a tween can often feel like navigating the ups and downs of dating, with all the emotions and uncertainties that come along with it. From reading their cues to worrying about their affection and spending habits, the experience can sometimes be frustrating but ultimately rewarding.