Bright and early, even on the most gloomy days, the hallways and avenues of SHS are crowded with couples packing in on the PDA.
With their eyes gazing into one another and their physical touch at a high, their attraction to one another is evident.
Whether tucked behind corners or out in the open, anyone could be convinced that these pairs are truly in love.
But how many of these relationships are built on genuine love and a desire for a future together?
Based on the scenes in the hallways, many students may assume the number to be high. But, considering the nature of our generation, it may be safe to say that this number is astoundingly low and that the majority of these relationships lack a foundation of purpose and love.
Our generation, corrupted by an emphasis on conformity, has fallen into this pattern of mirroring one another too closely.
Teenagers begin naively plotting their first kiss, pursuing relationships with no shared interests or rushing the process only because everyone else around them is doing it too.
The majority of the time, it’s not only to fit in. Sometimes, pursuing relationships is fueled by a desire to fulfill the void in one’s heart or satisfy one’s lust.
Forming a foundation based off of selfish desires or impulsiveness will only result in heartbreak and, without proper healing, can be considered a waste of time.
According to psychologist Carl E. Pickhardt, becoming romantically involved involves emotional intimacy, which, along with other factors, can establish stronger attachments than known before. This link to intimacy can result in a disconnect with other relationships, such as friendships and family bonds, that may result in a breakup.
But as attachment becomes more common, so do breakups among adolescents.
It seems that we become so eager to hop onto the trend that we completely rob ourselves of the beauty that comes with pursuing a true, genuine love.
Love is so sacred. Love can be vulnerability, a shared foundation of trust and a rollercoaster of emotions that proves to be worth it because of the one you’re sharing it with.
To pursue a long-lasting relationship enveloped in genuine love, choose carefully and be intentional each step of the way. Don’t indulge in the pleasures of it just to complete yourself.
If you find yourself weak when it comes to resisting temptations, take a minute to reassess all of the possible benefits and drawbacks that may stem from compromising for love.
One last thing to remember: don’t waste your time trying to find love when there is already so much of it in front of you.
