when do teenagers start relationships?

[hamsterB]

Hi.
Its my first post. Do you expect most 17 year old boys to have shown intrest in girls - or boys, by the time they reach that age? If he hasn't had any kind of relationship, would you think some people / parents / other parents etc might start asking his mother questions such as, 'Hasn't he got a girlfriend yet?', or 'Anyone special yet?'
I accept he may be gay and I think he's a bit wary of telling his dad.
any help welcomed.

[Nigglenaggle]

Maybe he's just shy (whether he is straight or gay). Maybe those askers should mind their own business, although I'm sure they are just trying to show an interest.

[VictorAndBarry]

My DS came out at 19. He had shown no interest - to us at least - in boys or girls, I thought he was perhaps a late starter or not interested at all. However, I did wnder if he might be gay.

Turns out he is gay, and has known for years, simply wasn't ready to tell us yet.

However, I dn't think not dating = gay; shy could equally cover it.