Josie’s Guide to High School Dating

Number one rule coming into high school: Don’t expect to find love. Being high school students, we’re not ready to get married, so don’t expect someone to be fully committed to you.

Being taken advantage of is extremely easy, especially when you’re young. Upperclassmen feel like they can get away with anything, so again know your morals and what you will and will not tolerate and stick with them. 

Date around, see what you like. It’s tempting to look at someone and say that’s who you want, but be careful; being devoted to one person is the easiest way to be manipulated. When you’re dating around, you realize the things you like and don’t like. 

Don’t let someone tell you it’s not okay to go on dates with other people. If you’re not in a relationship, don’t feel tied down, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.  

Showing jealousy is detrimental. It’s best to play things cool. If someone sees you’re envious, that’s a gateway for them to abuse your feelings because now they see that you’re hopelessly devoted to them. 

Now it’s okay to express your feelings if they’re bothering you; if you find yourself repeating things you’ve already said, then it’s best to calmly but surely cut things off with that person.

Don’t try to get revenge on the other person. Again, this shows you’re still thinking about them and it only makes you look crazy. 

DO NOT throw subliminal jabs on social media! It only shows that you’re childish and can’t handle heartbreak. 

If you find yourself heartbroken the best thing to do is to pursue a hobby or hang out with friends, something to get your mind off that person. Crying or crawling in bed will only dig a deeper hole for yourself. 

We’re all young and we have our whole lives to find someone. Take this time to find who you are as a person first. This is significant because knowing who you are and what you want will help you realize what you want in someone else. While searching, start to question if they make you a better individual. Do they inspire growth? Realizing that a relationship with everybody you’re serious with will not always work out is an essential part of progression in your highschool experience and beyond.