the image magazine
04
opinions
What are we? Its a question that needs to be asked in high school relationships. One that needs to be asked more frequently, and answered with more brutal honesty than insincere flattery.
Love, Maybe?
It's Time to DTR: Define the Relationship
Its the question that everyone dances around at the beginning of a relationship: So, what are we? The question is inevitably met with silence, or some painful communication that lasts all of four seconds. Despite the awkwardness that will inevitably follow, its a question that needs to be asked in high school relationships. One that needs to be asked more frequently, and answered with more brutal honesty than with insincere flattery. High school is a time to get to know a lot of people. When going into such a big environment, there are many opportunities presented to each student. Even when going from one grade to another, switching classes provides an opportunity for different people to get to know each other, or discover more on a deeper level. However, due to certain stereotypes and modern dating trends, dating around in high school is seen as a bad thing. Its perceived that a certain person can only be with two people in serious relationships before theyre ostracized for getting around, and thats just plain superficial. A person can be defined by how they look, how they act or what they say, but not by their past relationships. Its not fair to either person in that relationship and devalues personalities as a whole, which is one of the most important parts about who a person is. Another reason to define the relationship is simple: its a time waster if people dont do it. In a hypothetical, realistic situation, imagine two friends who spend a lot of time together. Each of them have flirtatious banter, they go out together alone on what can be seen as dates, amongst other things that couples can be seen doing. If one person in the friendship sees the relationship in a romantic sense, they just wait for the eventual confirmation of the relationship. For the other person, its just spending time together. Thats why having the conversation is important. If not, one side of the relationship can go weeks without realizing that nothing romantic will come out of it in the end. If that conversation goes unsaid, the other person might not realize the intention is romantic, making it all the more awkward when the conversation is finally had. It simply wastes time, and thats why the conversation needs to happen. With a million other things on a high-schoolers to-do list - academics, clubs, sports and more. No one has time to waste. Now, this isnt a call to go out to a crush and declare undying love. That's an entirely different conversation that needs to be had, and one that can take a bit more time. However, the defining of a relationship is a very important talk to have as soon as possible. By having such a conversation, its better for both people involved. It clears issues up, relieves anxiety and offers hope for a brand new beginning. Sure,it'sadicultconversationtohave,butallit takes is a bit of courage and honesty. That's all it takes to DTR: define the relationship.
Morgan Vehige
news editor
asked and answered
How would you define success?
Sarah Scerba science teacher
Success is defined by the ability to meet goals in order to get stuff done.
Isabella Hall senior
Success is being happy with yourself at the point you are in life.
Brendan Berger junior
Success as how hard you work and the results.
Harrison Jaudes freshman
Success is when you are able to achieve your life goals.
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