PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH.COM VIA CREATIVE COMMONS LISENSE

Originally published January 24, 2023

Ah, love. The cause of so many beautiful pieces of writing, music, and paintings. The sole purpose of some horrific wars. Since it is such a powerful emotion, many do not know how to react when faced with it.

People have fallen in love since they were created. Middle schoolers however, are some of the most notorious of relationships. From quick winded jealousy, to short bursts of affection, they give themselves the crown of ‘Most Awkward Relationships’.

Most people in middle school know about the chaotic dating scene, but some never choose to talk about it. Really, most reasons people date at such a young age is to seem mature or cool. They want to almost prove themselves to their peers.

“I feel like middle school is too early to start a relationship,” Seventh-grader Ian Maloney said. “But if someone came up to me [and told me they were in a relationship] , I would be like, cool I hope that works out for you, but it's not actually going to last.”

Most middle school relationships at MBMS last from a few days to three months. Summer and winter breaks cause them to move apart since they don’t see each other as often.

Eighth-grader Peyton Stern said, “We had each others numbers and we called each other almost every day of the week.”

Though they never met up outside of school, Stern and her ex-boyfriend still had a main line of communication.

Stern said. “It lasted for about two months.”

Two months is the average of how long these relationships last. Some can go for higher, which is around half a year, or lower, lasting about a few weeks.

“I would say don’t have [relationships in middle school], because some people focus too much on the person that they're dating and they like to drop their grades…” Sixth-grader Karl Ferrez said.

While grades are the main focus of school, social situations inside and outside of school commonly interfere with learning.

“I feel like a good age [to date] is around 14 or 15, towards the end of eighth-grade.” Stern stated.

This depends on the maturity level of the child, 14-15 is around where eighth-grade ends and highschool begins, AKA “The Golden Years of Your Life.”

Seventh-grade Washington State history teacher Mrs. Koenig has a bit of a different approach to dating age. Choosing to go higher than the start of highschool.

“I think the age of a person should start dating is dependant on who the person is.” Koenig wrote. “For some, dating at 16 is healthy, for others 18.”

The main influence on dating so young is for many reasons. It's hard to pick just one out.

Maloney said, “ [Kids] think they’re mature enough[to date]”

One reason is thinking you are prepared enough for love. Which, at such a young age, is mostly not true.

“I think many middle schoolers date because social media broadcasts the false narrative that to be a ‘whole person’ or to experience ultimate ‘happiness’ a person has to be in a relationship.” Koenig stated. “Another reason students might date is they believe it makes them more popular or seem ‘cool’.”

Media has a big effect on the thought of love in a student's mind. Most popular shows involve dating, romance, and at least one school dance episode. Even old teen magazines from the 2000’s pushed the narrative of ‘true happiness’ from romance.

“Well, biologically hormones [cause students to date].” Stern said. “But mentally, I feel like there’s a lot of attractions going around.”

Hormones are a huge contender in the awkwardness of dating. Hormones affect your blood sugar and pressure, metabolism, sleep, growth, and much more. Biology and psychology of the human body explains this more.

“Hormones are chemicals produced within and sent throughout your body to help regulate and control your body’s development," weillcornell.org stated on their website.

If you found this article awkward or uncomfortable to read, congratulations! You are officially a middle schooler. Love is definitely an important part of development mentally and emotionally as you are growing older. Even if you don’t feel or like romantic love, platonic love is important as well.