Spending time with someone to truly love and care about who also feels the same about them. That’s the dream, right? However, some people don’t think this way and believe that they are better off alone than being with someone either because they lost all hope in finding someone who catches their eye or because they were hurt the last time they tried seeking a relationship.  

Which begs the question if teens should be able to date and experience love or are they better off avoiding dating throughout high school and waiting until they are mature enough to have a long-lasting relationship. Counselor Dakota Dilday said she thinks high school relationships carry both positives and negatives.  

“It is an opportunity to learn about yourself and relationships. Although it’s rare, some people find the love of their lives,” Dilday said. “However, if it gets too distracting and has negative impacts on other aspects of your life, it may not be worth it.” 

According to a Pew Research poll about 35 percent of teens ages 13-17 have experienced dating of some kind and about 13 percent are currently in a romantic relationship. And with new loves comes a “honeymoon phase”, the earliest stage in a relationship where everything that is experienced is brand new and partners show a deep interest in one another and have a strong connection. 

Anela Kopcallic ’27 is in a relationship and shows deep interest for her boyfriend Nick Koss ’26 despite the short time that they have known each other for. Kopcallic said she believes that relationships are totally worth it and that students should experience dating while in high school.  

“Yes, I believe that dating is worth it,” Kopcallic said. “I have been dating Nick Koss, and we have been together for almost a month; however, you just must find the right person.” 

Some students like Mateo Delaj ’25 who are currently dating or students that are trying to find someone to date believe that it’s a good thing if they find someone in high school to date as it would give them the experience of dating. Delaj said he believes there’s a low chance of couples staying together after graduating from high school. However, he thinks dating someone in high school can teach someone how to properly treat someone in a romantic relationship and distinguish it from platonic relationships and friendships students would normally have with their friends. 

“Dating in high school is worth it for the experience, I learned how to communicate and the difference between friendship and a relationship.” Delaj said. “Although most high school relationships don’t last, it’s not that serious at the end of the day.” 

Although most students would agree that dating in high school is a good thing and that they should have a chance at experiencing love, others believe the complete opposite. Heidi Konja ’27 said she believes relationships are not worth the time and students should wait until they grow older to find someone to love. Adding how she believes students at this age are not mature enough to carry the burden of someone else’s feelings. 

“No, it is not worth it to date in high school,” Heidi said. “I am single right now and I am happy. People are way too immature at this age. Just wait until you are mature to handle someone else’s feelings.” 

So, is seeking a high school relationship worth the time and effort? Or are relationships a waste of time for students and distract them from more important things that they should focus on? The answer varies. According to Psychology today Dating is a process for young people learn important social coupling skills that bear on how they will approach relationships later in life.   

Psychology teacher Kristen Khamis agrees with this sentiment reaffirming how high school relationships can shape standards for future relationships. 

“I think it is worth it because it teaches you early on what you want in a relationship,” Khamis said. “As long as students don’t take it too seriously…the odds of ending up with your first love in high school are very slim, just meet people and have fun. Serious relationships are better saved for college or later.”