With their busy lives consisting of school, sports, clubs, jobs, and more, high school students have been left with little time for romance. According to a study by the Survey Center on American Life, only 56 percent of Gen Z [defined as those born between 1997 and 2012] adults were in romantic relationships during their teenage years. This is much lower compared to previous generations such as Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, who both surveyed in the upper 70 percent range (americansurveycenter.org). While the overprotective dads who don’t want their daughters dating may be thrilled by this statistic, this trend may be troublesome for Gen Z and future generations alike. High school relationships are crucial for the emotional development of teenagers, enhance the high school experience, and provide a strong foundation for marriage.
While there are negative stereotypes associated with cringy high school relationships, they provide a robust basis for future relationships. According to a paper published by a University of Texas at Austin Psychologist and University of California, Davis Researcher, “Teen romances are important learning opportunities that can positively contribute to identity development and increased competence in future romantic relationships” (pdf.sciencedirectassets.com). A high school relationship helps teens learn how to effectively communicate their feelings and approach new people.
Being in a high school relationship makes high school more engaging and exciting as it provides a companion to enjoy the experience. Sophomores Kian Herman and Gabriella Hancock have been dating for over a year. “School dances are much better in a relationship. Dressing up and dancing with Gabbi was a lot of fun,” said Herman. Relationships allow students to engage with their peers on a deeper level and build genuine connections. “I look forward to going to school because I get to hang out with Kian,” Hancock said. Improving the high school experience makes students more willing to go to school and to school events.
Additionally, high school relationships can provide a strong foundation for a long-lasting marriage. Principal Michael Paredes recently celebrated thirty years of marriage to his wife, Allison Paredes. The two met in ninth grade at Crawford High and began dating during their junior year. “I definitely feel that our long history together has strengthened our marriage. Allison and I have grown in love together, never forgetting our aspirations from when we were teenagers and evolving as a couple, as parents, and now as grandparents,” said Paredes. The bond the two have shared throughout their marriage is in large part due to their early beginnings.
A common argument against high school relationships is that they never make it past high school; however, this is a pessimistic approach. While it may take commitment and sacrifice to make a high school relationship work, it is possible. “When it came time to make post-high school plans, we applied to some similar colleges and some different ones. I’m so grateful that we both decided to attend the same university,” said Paredes. Not only are Mr. and Mrs. Paredes high school sweethearts but so are Mr. Paredes’s parents, who attended Hoover High together and have been married for more than 50 years. The Paredes family is testimony to the power of high school relationships.
While high school relationships may be falling out of favor with modern high school students, they must not be left in the past. Even with the uncertainties of a teen relationship, they are key for the emotional growth of teens, make high school a more exciting environment, and can lead to long and fruitful marriages.