What are some benefits and detriments of high school relationships
Dating in high school has its pros and cons, with many students finding it to be a fun and meaningful experience. Being in a relationship can provide emotional support, companionship and someone to share both the good and bad moments of high school with. It can also bring about drama, jealousy and complicated feelings. One of the biggest benefits of dating in high school is having someone to confide in and share experiences with. It’s nice to have someone to talk to, especially about personal struggles that might be difficult to discuss with friends or family.
Patrick LaFave ‘28 said, “I think [high school relationships] can be a good thing because it can be a good way for students to have someone they can feel comfortable around in that they can talk about things that they might not want to or feel comfortable discussing with other people that they are not dating.”
In addition to emotional support, dating can also make school events like dances, football games and even just sitting at lunch more exciting. Having a significant other can give students confidence, teach them valuable relationship skills and help them learn how to balance priorities. While high school relationships rarely last forever, they can be great learning experiences that prepare students for future relationships in adulthood.
On the other hand, dating in high school comes with challenges. Relationships can be distracting, taking time away from schoolwork, extracurricular activities and friendships. Many students find themselves prioritizing their relationship over academics, which can negatively impact their grades and future opportunities. There’s also the issue of drama, jealousy, breakups and rumors which can all make high school dating more stressful than fun.
Miles Hendrych ‘27 said, “[High school relationships are] bad because you have all the free time after high school to worry about relationships, just enjoy high school.”
Many students also find that relationships in high school can be emotionally draining, especially when dealing with fights or breakups while still having to see their ex every day in class or the hallways. Some people also feel that dating limits their freedom, as having a significant other can take time away from other important aspects of high school life, like sports, clubs or just spending time with friends. While dating in high school can be a great experience for some, it’s not always the best choice for everyone and for many, focusing on personal growth and friendships might be the better path.
