The Central High Times
LAS RELACIONESTuesday, April 24, 2012 By Cassie Atchley
Beautiful, disastrous and often beautifully disastrous, the high school kid encompasses a whirlwind of feelings and changes. They are keen to selfish and impulsive decisions, and eventually will develop a vat of mistakes, regrets and lessons learned. Almost the epitome of these actions is based on the idea or execution of a potential relationship with another high school kid going through similar problems. The handful of elementary crushes and awkward middle school hand holding eventually throws all of us into a new world: the high school phenomena of dating and the multiple ideas of what that should encompass. Although some seem to disregard the whole fad, shrugging off rejection like a mediocre grade on a math test, others let even the most effortless of emotional connections completely dishevel any ounce of mature logic and reason they’ve attained. Being alone isn’t always representative of loneliness, as is loneliness isn’t the direct result of being alone. There are plenty of lonely people who are constantly surrounded by others who care about them, yet their feelings stem from something more. There are multiple facets to the human element. Especially in a high school setting, it’s not so easy to act true to you. For most of us, it’s been pounded into our brains that high school is a chance for us to find our passions, character and goals for the future. Yet, without having a sense of belonging or people to talk truthfully to, many of these objectives will never be accomplished. Even decisions that solely impact the individual sometimes need to be discussed or considered with others. Of course, wanting a relationship isn’t just for people who need someone to talk to or feel alone in their social situation. Wanting a relationship or being attracted to another individual is natural, no matter what your circumstance is. Finding another person to share a branch of your life with and potentially love shouldn’t at all be a stressful thing, though many seem to make it so when caught up in trivial emotional reactions to most likely, harmless things. Although the majority of high school relationships will inevitably end, there is no reason to be fearful or downright loathe the idea of engaging in one. Sure, breakups are tough, and regarded as one of the worst feelings associated with the teenage years. What’s more important is experience and happiness. Too many times fear and irrational paranoia about the unknowns of a relationship cause an individual to become a hermit. It’s one thing to be logical about young love, but trying to predict its future is ignorant and unfair to all parties. Having a healthy balance of logic and emotion is crucial to surviving the sentiments associated with adoration. After all, it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Do not dwell on or take high school relationships too seriously. In a sense, this is the perfect time to make silly mistakes, try new things and take risks. Don’t cry when a significant other hugs another guy or pout when your boy buddy doesn’t notice your new haircut. Life is full of multiple opportunities and someone who will certainly like you as much as you enjoy them. Have fun, make mistakes and continue to improve. Most importantly, be your own best friend. Attitude is essential in defining who you are and how you are going to let situations impact you. It’s okay to cry and wallow after something negative happens, but don’t allow it to take over your life for a significant amount of time. Get up, brush yourself off and I guarantee you, everything will turn out to be quite humbling. Only you can make you happy. |