High school students have a lot to worry about: grades, socialization, and extra-curricular activities are some of the most common examples. High school is the first time teenagers really begin to get a sense of what being grown-up is like, as it’s the last four years before being thrown into the unforgiving world of adulthood. Unfortunately, not all teenagers realize the amount of responsibility required in this transitional time, making questionable choices as a result.  One very questionable choice that a high school student can make, in my opinion, is getting into a relationship.

A relationship is a very important commitment that requires a strong sense of maturity and loyalty. Unfortunately, many high-schoolers (about 61% according to a survey conducted at StagesofLife.com) who find themselves in relationships fail to consider this, tending to go head-first into such a commitment, driven by hormones, lack of awareness, and peer pressure from social circles. When (seemingly) everyone else has a significant other, it’s easy for teens who lack a partner to seek one. Some of these teenagers never bother to learn about how demanding a relationship can be (physically, mentally and emotionally), especially for someone under the age of 18. When relationships end (whether it be quietly or in a blazing fire), somebody’s going to get hurt emotionally, which could lead to depression if the breakup is really bad.

For those who have to deal with a mixture of a full load at school, a part-time job, a social circle, a bunch of family matters and a commitment to sports, a relationship is adding more complication to the mix. At this point of life, it is crucial to focus on education in order to have a smooth drive on the road to success, which means to avoid as many roadblocks and bumps as possible. Relationships distract from what is truly important. Studies have shown that more often than not, high school students who get into relationships tend to get lower grades. It could be also said that relationships distract those in it from their other commitments to some degree, which also compromises success.

It’s better to start dating after graduating high school, and for some, after college. College students are generally more mature and emotionally ready for relationships thanks to those extra few years of experience. If your plate’s already filled with important commitments, it’s best to not complicate your life further by adding a long-term relationship into the mix. Don’t let this discourage you from looking for your one true love, however; relationships are different for everyone. The time, the place and the chemistry you and your significant other share are factors to think about. It doesn’t matter whether or not most of the people around you are in a relationship, as you never know if their love will last or not.

Being single in high school isn’t something to worry about; it’s something to embrace – a chance to build yourself up mentally, emotionally and physically to ensure success in the long run.