While seniors pack to commit to their home for the next four years, there is a vital thing they can’t fit into their suitcase: their high school relationship.
According to Gitnux, an independent market that researches the latest trends, statistics and business data, only 2% of high school sweethearts get married and stay married.
“In high school, there’s a built-in place where you can talk in person and hang out Monday through Friday, but with college, that type of easy access will change,” said senior John Lock, attending Georgetown University.
Attending the same high school and living close by allows students to optimize their amount of quality time. Whether it’s living in the same neighborhood, having the same classes or being able to take a short drive to go on a date, the close proximity grants couples the luxury of spending more time together.
“We can enjoy a lot of school events like homecoming and football games. It’s really nice to have someone support you throughout the school year,” said senior Katherine Cruz, attending George Washington University.
In a building filled with over two thousand students, a special person can make the distressing aspects of school life more bearable.
“I’m going to miss the comfort of John here. If I’m ever sad or upset, he’s the person I feel most comfortable opening up to. Not having someone like that in my school is going to be hard,” said junior Hannah Dunn about her partner, Lock.
Relationships foster more than just a romantic connection, but rather open the possibility of gaining a new best friend and confidant. When two people spend great deals of time together, the level of comfortability they have with each other exceeds their connections with others.
“The best thing about our relationship is the connection we have through our personalities, personal lives, upbringings and heritage. I like having someone who is my best friend and girlfriend at the same time,” said junior Matheo Valdivia about his girlfriend, Cruz.
Senior Roman Smith shared a similar sentiment to Valdivia.
“I love how my girlfriend is able to comfort me in a way no one else can when I’m feeling frustrated or down,” said Smith.
For couples such as Valdivia and Cruz, the distance is a mere 25 minute drive. For others such as senior Tyson Denny and WS graduate Chloe Cordoba, the distance spans more than an hour. However, while there are many risks of long distance, others believe that absence brings new gifts.
“I think distance makes the heart grow fonder. It brings out more of your personal flaws, but allows you to work on yourself and make the times you see each other in person much more special,” said Cordoba, attending James Madison University. Her boyfriend, Denny, has committed to the University of Virginia.
Worries about new friends, new experiences and new schedules could result in heightened tensions between couples who have never had to deal with life without their partners. However, statistics and assumptions are trivial when the success of a long distance relationship ultimately relies on the commitment a couple has to one another.
