Romeo and Juliet, the famous star-crossed teenage characters, are often criticized in classrooms for being ignorant and careless during their brief relationship. But, what those high school students don’t know is that they are just as ridiculous as these two classic lovers. They believe so strongly in their young love that nothing else matters, except for the next time they will see one another. Sorry, but life is far more than that.

High school relationships are simply overrated due to the lack of self-respect couples have for one another and the abruptness of many of the relationships throughout high school, mainly because in a few years (or as soon as next year) everyone will be heading in different directions. There is nothing else to say about teenagers thinking that they are going to spend the rest of their lives together because they have a few classes together and cling to each other in the hallway between passing periods.

But, who am I to talk? I have been with my boyfriend for a year and a half and still going strong.

My boyfriend goes to a nearby public high school, so we do not see each other every single day. Therefore, when we are reunited after a long week of school, it makes it even more special. We can tell each other all about our week.

If we did go to the same school, and me being the independent person that I am, I think it would become repetitive and create a humdrum cycle of the same schedule day after day. By seeing each other only occasionally, I think this will make being apart or having a long-distance relationship after high school far easier in the long run because we are used to not being around one another every second.

He and I have known one another for years, but our relationship is a tricky one. I have had a vision of my life after high school for many years and he has yet to find his. I plan on studying abroad in college and potentially leaving the west coast. Where does that leave us? We have decided to let time figure it out for us. We know we care for each other in this moment, so what else matters?

High school is a time to focus solely on yourself and gaining acceptance into the college or other post-secondary institution of your dreams. No one should come in the way of what you want to do with your life. If they are important enough, they will realize what is best for the both of you. Even if that means calling it quits on the person you thought was the “one.” If they are meant to be in your life, then they will find their way.

However, I believe that there can be exceptions to every philosophy. I would love to be the exception and it is nice to think sometimes that maybe I did find the one for me. I believe that one in a million high school relationships last and the couple is genuinely happy. It cannot be easy and I don’t expect it to be. All I know is to live right now, in this moment, and how I feel now is really all that matters. Only time will tell the outcome of our lives. I know how much he means to me in my heart, and that is the most important thing.