The Risks of High School Romance

As a teenager, do you often feel the pressure or the desire to get into a relationship? Why is that? The urge to be in a relationship often comes from society– movies, TV shows, social media, and the people around you. While relationships can offer many benefits, teach important lessons, and offer exciting first experiences, they can also become unnecessary stress for most teens. The downsides of the emotional stress, distractions, and low long-term success rates often outweigh the advantages. So, let’s break down the pros and cons of a high school relationship.

Pros

Not all relationships end negatively, and it’s important to recognize the positive aspects of being in a high school relationship. Typically, teens enjoy the feeling of being in a romantic relationship. While they may have a strong circle of supportive friends, their relationship with their partner might feel different. They might be closer and be able to rely on each other for things that friendships might not provide. That dependability can be a significant benefit and even serve as a motivator for a student seeking a partner. A partner can be a pillar of support, offering strong emotional backing. This can lead to improved mood and mental health. Additionally, being in a relationship early on can provide more experience for future relationships and life in general. Even if the relationship doesn’t last, teens are likely to gain valuble lessons from it, which can have a lasting impact and help them grow, even in the moment.

Cons

But naturally, with relationships come many drawbacks, especially for younger individuals still in their formative years. School already brings a lot of pressure and stress, and being in a relationship can make these feelings even worse. Moreover, relationships can be distracting, particularly when going through a rough patch or a break-up. In such situations, both partners may become preoccupied with maintaining or repairing their relationship, potentially neglecting their academic responsibilities.

Furthermore, entering a new relationship can lead students to prioritize their romantic involvement over their studies. As always, there’s a risk of the relationship being toxic or unhealthy, which can be emotionally draining. Considering that teenagers are still learning and experiencing new things, being in a relationship at this stage can be detrimental, and may not be worth the potential pain.

According to the blog OnlineDivorce, relationships for 16-year-olds typically last around 6 months, and those for 17 to 18-year-olds last about a year. Older teens may be more experienced and seek more serious relationships compared to their younger counterparts. Even if a relationship is healthy, long-distance can arise when both partners attend college. This can lead to natural growing apart as they discover more about themselves. This is one of the common reasons why 17 or 18-year-olds end their relationships.

Conclusion

There are inherent pros and cons to being in a relationship, especially during high school. It’s your decision whether or not to pursue a relationship, but never feel pressured to do so. You don’t need to be in a relationship in high school, and you’re not missing out on anything. You have ample time and a lot of your life ahead of you, so don’t feel like you have to experience it. Sometimes, rushing into a relationship could make you more susceptible to the negative aspects of a relationship than taking your time. Listen to your own feelings and instincts, not external pressures, including mine! Do whatever feels right for you, but remember to consider the risks.