“I think that relationships in middle school are different than high school and college, so
for every phase of life, relationships will look different. So, I guess it depends on how you define a
relationship,” said Kristen Cleary, Social Worker at Landrum.
As a teenager, social media, sports, and social life can put a strain on romantic
relationships because of the separation of priorities. Studies show that only 10% of relationships last all
the way through middle school and high school.
“Typically, relationship do not last at this age because it is not like he will be picking her up for
dinner…if you are hanging out it will most likely be in a group setting,” said Kristin Cleary.
In this sense, middle schoolers shouldn’t have a top priority for relationships, and should focus
more on their social life and academics instead of romanticism. If you’re hanging out as a group, you
don’t get the full experience of a relationship, and then there is no point of even dating.
“I don’t know if it is a should or shouldn’t be situation. I get where you are developmentally where you
would want to be in a relationship, because it is intriguing, and you will start to find people that you are
interested in,” said Alicia Ash, School Psychiatrist at Landrum.
If you are with somebody who has a positive influence on you, and can make you laugh, and
makes you feel good about yourself, then your grades will have a positive impact along with your social
life. However, if you are with somebody negative who brings you down, then your grades can fall along
with that. If the person you are with consumes all your time, it will distract you. You might feel as if your
relationship comes first rather than your grades coming first. If the person you are with is taking up all
your time, your friends might feel left out, angry, and feel that your time and energy is being consumed
by your relationship.
Overall, middle school relationships shouldn’t take up 100% of your time because it will distract
you from more important things like academics, social life, and sports. If you want to commit to a
relationship in middle school you should make sure that you also give your time to your friends, family
and other factors of your life.