The Mycenaean

High school is a time when many teenagers begin exploring romantic relationships. Some people see them as an important part of growing up, while others choose to focus on school, sports, friendships, or personal goals. 

I personally have never been in a relationship, and this has helped me observe both the positives and negatives more clearly. Watching others around me, I’ve seen how relationships can bring happiness, but also how they can cause a lot of stress and distraction.

One of the main benefits of being in a high school relationship is emotional support. Having someone to talk to, spend time with, and share experiences with can be good, especially when you’re dealing with the ups and downs of school and life. Being in a relationship can make people feel understood and less alone. It can also help students learn important lessons about communication, respect, and compromise. For some, it’s a way to grow emotionally and prepare for more serious relationships in the future.

“Being in a relationship has helped me become a better person. I always have someone to talk to when I’m stressed, and we support each other no matter what. We hang out after school, study together, and even motivate each other to stay on track. It’s not always perfect, but it’s real, and it teaches you how to care about someone other than yourself. I think it’s a big part of growing up,” said Gabe Shaffer, junior.

But it’s important to understand that relationships take more than just liking someone. They require work. I’ve seen people get into relationships just because they like the idea of being in one, but it falls apart quickly when real problems come up. Things like accountability, respect, and maturity are really important. If one or both people lack these traits, the relationship can get messy fast. You have to be willing to take responsibility for your actions, listen when your partner is upset, and be honest, even when it’s hard.

“To be in a good relationship, you need to be mature enough to handle problems, respectful, and responsible enough to admit when you’re wrong. It’s not just about liking someone — it’s about being the kind of person they can rely on,” said Lucas Ceccino, sophomore.

Of course, not everyone sees high school relationships in a positive light. Some students feel that most people our age are simply not ready for the kind of responsibility that comes with being in a relationship. And honestly, that makes sense. We’re still growing and figuring out who we are.

Some students who have been in a high school relationship shared their honest opinion: “Being in a relationship during high school showed me that a lot of people aren’t ready. Things like maturity and accountability sound simple, but most teens don’t really understand what they mean. It takes a lot more effort than people think, and not everyone is prepared for that,” said Delaynie Hess, sophomore.

“Being secure in a relationship is really important. If you or the other person has trust issues, it’s a quick way to ruin things. Even if the relationship starts off strong, these problems can grow and make everything fall apart,” said Kai McCabe, sophomore.

Some students also feel that high school relationships can take away from more important things, like personal growth and academics. At this age, many of us are still trying to figure out who we are and what we want to do. Being in a relationship can sometimes get in the way of that.

“Relationships can be a big distraction. People stop focusing on school and themselves just to make the relationship work, and that’s not always a good thing,” said McCabe, sophomore.

In the end, being in a relationship during high school is a personal choice. While some may find it rewarding, others may struggle with the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. What’s most important is learning about yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and making choices that help you grow into a stronger, and more confident person.