High school is a time of discovery, growth, and exploration, not only academically but also emotionally and socially. For many students, this is the first time they experience romantic relationships. While some may see high school relationships as fleeting or short-lived, many students find themselves in relationships that last beyond high school.
One of the most significant factors contributing to a long-lasting relationship in high school builds around a foundation of mutual respect and shared value. Teenagers often bond common interests, which can create a strong sense of companionship.
Juniors Hailey Ferguson and Joshua Harvath have been in a relationship for five years, since their sixth grade year of school.
“Maintaining a relationship for this long revolves around good communication, talking through problems, and avoiding getting into arguments,” Harvath said.
Junior Tanna Howe and senior Drake Murrell have maintained a two and a half year relationship.
“Trust, loyalty, and communication are the key factors to building along our relationship. We also pray around the situation with each other to build a stronger force field by our relationship,” Howe said.
Another important factor to a long-term high school relationship is emotional maturity. Some teenagers haven’t developed the full senses of communicating properly and managing their emotions correctly, but those who have a sense of development faster build their relationship upon the test of time.
Juniors Adison Sherrill and Urijah Phillips have been in a two year long relationship.
“We have experienced many ups and downs, but the biggest motivation to stay together is that we love each other. Urijah is my biggest supporter and my other half. I couldn’t imagine my life without him,” Sherrill said.
“What motivates me to stay is all the memories we are able to make together, and how good of a connection we have and have always had,” Phillips said.
High School relationships can be formative in terms of personal growth. Even if the relationships don’t last forever, they teach forever life lessons. Lessons about love, communication, and even compromise, help with the understanding of an individual’s own needs, desires and what to value in a partner.
Newly formed relationships in high school carry a sense of excitement and discovery, as the students are learning to navigate their way to a healthy romantic relationship.
Sophomore Mady Reimund and Junior Luke Henderson have been in a romantic relationship for two years.
“Be patient with each other, don’t rush into things because if they are meant to be, everything will work out. Always give your all and show communication and trust,” Reimund says as advice to newly formed relationships.
Long-lasting relationships in high school are often seen as rare, uncommon, and unsuccessful. These relationships are built among each other’s qualities and teach one another lessons through-out it the high school years.