IV. Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.

Romantic Feelings of Teenss Mature! Process

Teens face strong pressures to date, as well as get involved in a romantic relationship. A romantic relationship is one that involves feelings of (26)______. In fact, over half of teens in the United States report dating regularly (casual dates with one or more partners at different times) whereas a third claim to have a steady dating partner. Young teens usually hang out with friends who are the same (27) ______ as they are. As they reach the mid-teen years (age 14-15 years), they start having relationships with friends of the opposite sex. Such relationships are likely to be friendships or physical attractions. Although most romantic relationships among 12- to 14-year-olds (28)  ______less than 5 months, by age 16 relationships last an average of  2 years. In the early teen years, dating is more superficial – for fun and (29) ______. In the older teen years, youth are looking for intimacy, companionship, affection, and (30) ______ support.

Desiring a romantic partner is a natural, expected part of (31) ______. However, involvement in a serious or exclusive romantic relationship in the early teen years can  (32) ______problems. True romantic relationships are about intimacy, or communicating detailed, personal information verbally, and physical contact and closeness. Some believe a teen first needs to form an identity and know who she or he is (33) ______ developing a healthy intimate relationship. Other experts feel that romantic relationships are a way for teens to learn more about (34) ______.

Many young teens are still defining themselves and romantic relationships may be based on a (35) ______sense of intimacy - in other words, teens don't know themselves well enough to share who they are with someone else.

Although most romantic relationships among 12- to 14-year-olds (28)  ______less than 5 months, by age 16, relationships last an average of  2 years.