Opinion: Dating, it’s your prerogative

Staff columnist Emma Crampton shares her take on datinga and relationships as a freshman.

Emma Crampton

Staff columnist Emma Crampton shares her take on datinga and relationships as a freshman.

Emma Crampton, Staff Reporter

Once in high school, the pressure and expectation to start dating begins to rise. Every holiday when the whole family gets together, I’m asked the same question: “Why no boyfriend?” I never know how to respond to that. This awkward situation doesn’t just occur with grandparents and aunts and uncles either. Friends and classmates will come to me and others with the same question. Does high school suggest immediate dating expectations?  

I have absolutely nothing against high school couples. And it’s not like I wouldn’t date in high school, I’m just not. While most people take this as a huge surprise, I remind them that I am only a freshman. Not that I see it as inappropriate to date as a freshmen, but I also don’t think it should be something that we feel obligated to do just because we are in high school.

I have friends who constantly talk about how much they want to be in a relationship because we’re in high school. They tell me that they feel like if they don’t date now, they will be considered to be immature. I always respond with the same thing. We are so young! Most freshman are only 14 or 15. At this age, I believe that dating should be something that you can do if you want, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to.

We have our entire lives ahead of us, so we shouldn’t have to worry about what other people think is appropriate or what they think we should do. You should do whatever makes you happy. If that means dating now, awesome, if it means waiting, great.
Dating is an important aspect of most people’s lives, whether you start at 13 or 21. It shouldn’t matter when you’re ready or when you actually start. All that matters in regards of a relationship is your happiness and comfort. It should never be an obligation or a chore. There is no age that says you must start dating now. Whenever you’re ready is up to you and only you.