The Paw Print

by Michelle S.

The dating world of young teens has changed drastically from its old morals. “Going out” isn’t going out, it is being someone’s boyfriend or girlfriend, but these are just titles. Now a day it’s rare to find students who actually follow the rules of “dating.” Couples don’t go on actual dates; and when they do, the boys don’t pay. You can find that some couples don’t even hug or say more than two words to each other while going out. Yet, other students may move way too fast, and become more involved than they are ready to handle emotionally.

Being someone’s boyfriend or girlfriend involves not only you and the other person, but many others. Friends have a major impact on whom a person is coupled with; some kids are peer pressured into going out with someone. Middle school students are going out with people for many reasons. It’s not for romance anymore, but to gain a reputation. Someone’s social status can climb or fall from their romantic partner. Middle school relationships range from a couple days to a few months. It seems to be a game of chess; climbing to the top to be the queen of the court, or campus.

Parents also play a big role in relationships; they only want the best for their children. When your parents urge you not to rush into relationships, they have a reason. Most parents just want you to stay on track and not lose focus on the important things. Parents realize how distracting a special boy or girl is to every aspect of our lives—they have firsthand experience in the dating world, and parents want to protect kids from making stupid mistakes.

The idea of middle school students “going out” varies from teacher to teacher. Some teachers believe that it is important to the social development of a child; it is preparation for future relationships. On the other hand, some think it’s a distraction to the learning environment. Rather than working on assignments, students will often gossip about their relationships with their peers.

Ms. Johnson (6) says, “I think that kids in middle school are too young to be in relationships. They have plenty of time for that later in life.”

Mr. Esquivel (7) says, “I don’t pay attention to it; I prefer not to get involved.”

Mr. Lankford (8) says, “It’s both good and bad; bad because it’s stupid and pointless—kids won’t be together in five years anyway. “

Students should pay more attention to their studies, instead of their crush; but with all the raging emotions and hormones it seems impossible. Hitting puberty makes everything confusing and emotions play into everything. Trying to find their own identities is one of the most difficult challenges that we go through. Entering the “dating” scene in middle school adds to the confusion. Sensitive students may find comfort in having people like them around. And some students believe having a boy/girlfriend is the answer to feeling secure or gaining acceptance. Too often, couples who are together don’t even like each other. Having someone like you is flattering, but many abuse this wonderful thing we call crushes by going out with everyone and not appreciating their boy/girlfriend as they should.