Romantic Relationships Can Provide a Vital Life Experience

By Trey Wells

  In high school, it’s very likely that you’ll see young couples woo each other over. Whether it’s in the hallways, during lunch, or even in other classes. But when it comes to your Senior year of high school, the two might have to go away to separate colleges or fields. So knowing this, should you date someone when you’re a senior?

  You should date someone in your senior year, regardless of going your separate ways after graduation.

  According to surveys conducted by the American Psychological Association, adolescent relationships can contribute to positive emotional development, identity formation, and communications skills. It’s best that after high school, you should both focus on your love life and your college life to create a certain balance between you and your partner.

 There are also many ways of communicating with your partner online after high school, platforms such as Discord, Instagram, or even Zoom provide a safe space for individuals to open up, which is beneficial for those with social anxiety or limited mobility.

 It’s also important to remember that there are no school policies regulating student relationships. School Counselor Tanya Brooks had this to say regarding senior relationships: “Even when relationships end, students learn important emotional skills they carry into adulthood.”

  Ultimately, high school relationships can provide a vital life experience, making them worthwhile for many, even if they do not last forever. As one perspective suggests, “love with open hands” and allow for the possibility that it works out, or the possibility that it ends, with both partners having grown from the experience.

Seniors Should Focus More on Finding Knowledge Than Love

By Cesar Aguilar

According to surveys conducted by the American Psychological Association, relationships in your early years can help improve emotional development, identity formation and communication skills. A report from the Pew Research Center shows that young adults often experience life transitions that affect relationships. Some claim that high school relationships are beneficial to have while others think they’re unnecessary.

High school seniors should try to avoid dating all together.

Relationships, unfortunately, run the risk of ending in heartbreak. This uncertainty causes unneeded worry and concern. Many seniors feel that their last year is already overwhelming. Adding a relationship that might not last feels like unnecessary stress. Any extra stress should be avoided, especially during pivotal moments in a teenager’s life.

The emotional challenges that come with relationships can get in the way of academics. Academic focus becomes sidelined as an individual’s attention is concentrated on building and maintaining the relationship with their partner. 

The trials and tribulations that can occur with relationships and heartbreak can have a long-term impact on someone’s mental health and psyche. Licensed school psychologists often point out that senior year is a time of identity development. Emotional setbacks like breakups can be especially impactful during that time.

Some say that high school relationships provide support during stressful times and even improve emotional development. Yes, that can happen if the relationship is healthy. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case – especially during teenage years. Teens in relationships aren’t fully matured and can easily create a toxic environment in the relationship. This then does the opposite of the benefits.

Even though relationships in high school can build character and provide comfort, they can just as easily lead to adverse effects. From leading to stress to interrupting academics to causing long-term emotional harm, it’s best if seniors avoid getting into relationships, and instead focus on their own studies in this important period of their lives.