Article May 14, 1977 Issue

Teen Relationships

Diane Staunton Staples

Yesterday a teen-ager talked to me about some problems he's having. His parents still treat him like a child, the girl he likes doesn't especially like him, and he's not getting along with his math teacher. Does this sound familiar to you? ...

Actually, these aren't three different problems, just different aspects of a single problem. It's a matter of human relationships. And the one lie behind them is mortal mind's claim that it's perfectly normal for teen-agers' relationships with other people to be upset. The world says it's part of growing up.

But what does Christian Science teach about the nature of man? In Genesis we read, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."^{Gen. 1:26;} Christian Science teaches us that man made in God's image and likeness must be spiritual because God is Spirit. If you accept the fact that everyone is a spiritual idea of God, then you already have a basis in your own thought that will enable you to solve your problems. Disturbed relationships are not normal, or even possible, for spiritual ideas. Accept that true premise and your life will take on new stability and happiness.