15 Sep 2020

In all honesty, the final years of high school can be quite gruelling. We learn to juggle the thousands of expectations and commitments not only from school, but our social life, family and sport. Yet, so many of us love to juggle high school relationships too.

Ah, high school romance. It seems to go one of two ways. It either lasts two weeks or it lasts A LOT longer. Well, mine lasted almost three years and went through the whole of my final year. And what I learnt is that a high school relationship can be hard work. But more importantly, they can also be awesome. You create memories that you won’t ever forget, experience growing up together and learn quite a damn lot from one another.

But obviously, there are a few things I wish I knew about dating in high school.

 

1. You don’t have to see them daily


Navigating a relationship is tricky. For many, it’s about finding the perfect balance of how often, when and where to see them. But let’s be real, some weeks you just simply will not find the balance – it sucks, but that’s life.

Create priorities and communicate with each other. It removes feelings of doubt. For us, our weekly ‘schedule’ was never the same. It changed based purely on our weekly commitments.

For example, while one week we might see each other two or three times. Other weeks we would go on a 45-minute run or walk together in the morning, a quick hug and kiss at the end and it would be catch-ya later for another five to seven days. Find what works for the both of you.


2. You don’t have to act couple-y


Often, and particularly at the beginning of the relationship, you’re not 100% sure how to act around them in the hallways, out in the quad or playground. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. 


I know it may seem like a very silly convo to have, but it’s important to let your partner know about how you feel about PDA in front of your mates. 


Every time my partner and I saw each other at school (which would honestly be like ten times a day) we would just raise our eyebrows and smile. 


It kind of meant a sly ‘hey, I love you’ but no one else knew.


3. You can take a break

Taking a break most certainly doesn’t always mean your relationship is on the rocks. A break can be as simple as taking a week or two out because you’re slammed with exams, assessments, sporting commitments or just feeling overwhelmed. 


My first break was over a period when not only were we both slammed with exams and assessments, but also with sporting commitments. I remember thinking that I was not going to have time to see you, or text you or even know your name.

Although we were rock solid, we took a break. And we were better for it.

Words by Emma Smith