Dating in high school can be a tricky topic. Many teenagers experience their first relationships during these developing years, which can offer both benefits and challenges.

Let’s start with stats on high school relationships. 44% of students in high school are in relationships, but only 2% of high school sweethearts get married. Some couples might find that unsettling. That being said, is it worth getting into a relationship in high school if the numbers are stacked against you? I’m going to ask around and see what I find.

Lets talk to a couple shall we. I interviewed Dolyn Gavigan and Noah Arreola:

Is dating worth it?

Dolyn: It is worth it as long as it’s with the right person. And as long as they affect you positively then it’s worth it. If not, then you both are putting yourselves in a toxic and negative environment. And if you’re in the right state of mind and not struggling with school or your mental health then you should go for it.

What are the benefits you see in dating?

Noah: You always have someone to talk to. It’s better then just having a friend

Dolyn: Because that person is specifically there for you. They aren’t with anyone except for you, it is very helpful to have someone.

How do you think dating affects your friendships and social life?

Noah: As long as you can find a balance that’s all that really matters

Dolyn: I feel I struggle with that sometimes, because I am focusing on my partner and a lot of the time I find myself thinking I haven’t hung out with my friends lately. And I end up feeling guilty. So you do have to make sure you have a balance.

What challenges have you faced when balancing schoolwork with a relationship?

Both: We haven’t had any troubles, we both help each other.

Dolyn: We do homework on FaceTime and help each other with work that’s hard.

Now to asking a fellow single pringle, Madison Horn.

Is dating worth it?

Madison: It depends, because there are some relationships where it asks too much of you and it’s hard on you. But then there’s people who have everything all together and can manage a relationship. I wouldn’t say yes or no, but it’s honestly your choice.

What are the benefits you see in dating?

Madison: You’re testing the water, figuring out what you want, what you expect, and need in a relationship, there’s many benefits. But you experience heartbreak and as a hormonal teen it’s harder to go through that with unsteady emotions, and some are not developed enough to even be in a relationship.

How do you think dating affects your friendships and social life?

Madison: It greatly affects relationships. When I was dating someone a while back, anytime he texted me when I was with friends my attention would instantly go to that text message. It takes up a lot of time and energy, adding a boyfriend over school work, family, and friends you end up valuing him over significant others, you can’t juggle it all. It affects friendships and relationships with the people around you.

As someone who has seen the effects of dating in high school, from friends and family, a lot of the time they seem to add a lot of extra stress on them. Juggling care and attention for friends and a sweetheart is a bigger task than it seems. Not to mention the possibility of heartbreak and trying to keep your grades up. What if your partner moves away for college, or one of you is not seizing an opportunity to move away for college because you’re in a relationship and are scared of losing that person. Let’s face it, everybody says long distance relationships don’t work.

However, I do see the value in having life experiences, having a relationship can help you get to know yourself better. It could be a good way to get to know what you do and don’t want in a partner/relationship for your future spouse. Your boyfriend or girlfriend can possibly influence you to want to do better in school.

Ultimately dating in high school depends on individual circumstances. For some, it provides valuable experiences and lessons, while for others, it may be more beneficial to focus on personal growth and friendships. I guess it is really up to each person and if your parents allow you to date. After talking to people about this and some Googling, I really don’t have a definitive answer, what I do know for sure is that your boyfriend or girlfriend won’t be the one to get you into college so whatever you decide put school first.