High school is a time of great change, filled with academic pressure and personal development. While romantic relationships can be exciting and provide emotional support, they can also be a major distraction, affecting students’ academic performance, social lives and future goals.
One of the biggest challenges of balancing a relationship in high school is the time commitment. Homework, studying and extracurricular activities require a considerable amount of self-discipline, focus and time management, but romantic relationships can drive the student away from these needs. Therefore, many students struggle with balancing the academic and social pressure involved in these two conflicting responsibilities.
“I [have never] had my relationship interrupt or distract me from my school work because I have a mutual understanding with my girlfriend that school comes before relationships. We make sure we get our school stuff done before we hangout,” junior Sid Raghunath explained.
Although making compromises is feasible, some students are incapable of achieving a balance, and as such, either their relationship or academic responsibilities are not fully tended to.
To compensate for the inability to manage their time between academic and romantic responsibilities, some students neglect class, focusing on their significant other rather than on coursework. However, neglecting class does more harm than it does good. The dopamine they receive may be serviceable in the short term, but in the long run, they may earn worse grades and possess substantial knowledge gaps.
Additionally, breakup or conflicts in relationships can take an emotional toll, making it hard for students to concentrate in class or stay motivated. The emotional roller coaster of a teenage relationship can create stress and anxiety, potentially impacting mental health and personal growth. Moreover, negative thoughts are occasionally exhibited in reaction to such disagreements.
A common mistake that leads students in search of relationships down this emotional rabbit hole is diving straight into the dating scene. By doing this, students may ruin any chance of a healthy relationship by making themselves out to be desperate and shallow.
While relationships and friendships differ in terms of their involvement levels, they are both similar in that they can be derived from a variety of sources, such as from sharing a class, meeting at a club or a chance encounter. There is no universal formula for finding a relationship, but simply interacting with one’s social environment can be a great place to start.
“My advice is to never go out of your way to find a girlfriend, but if the opportunity ever comes to you, and you genuinely want the relationship, then take it and make sure you have your priorities straight,” Raghunath recommended.
For some students, high school relationships can seem like an essential part of the experience, but being single during high school can offer a different perspective. Without the pressures and drama of a relationship, students can focus on self-growth, academic success and building lasting friendships.
“I don’t feel left out for being single. I’m enjoying the time I get to spend on my personal goals and enjoying life without the pressure of a relationship,” junior Dom Funkhouser expressed.
While high school relationships can provide emotional support and memorable experiences, they come with their own set of challenges. The pressures of balancing academics, personal growth and societal expectations can make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship during this time. Whether students are in a relationship or not, finding a balance that allows them to grow academically, emotionally and personally is crucial. Most importantly, high school should be a time for self-discovery and preparation for the future.