A high school social life is filled with friendships, new bonds, and for some the occasional boyfriend or girlfriend.

Some may see it as an opportunity to explore their dating likes and dislikes, while others use it as a time to focus on school.

“I think high school relationships are a test to who you like and what you don’t like, and what type of person goes good with your personality,” said senior Colleen Ray.

“Stage of Life,” a writing community for teens, found that 61 percent of teens have been “in love” and have entered a high school relationship.

However, according to H.H Dow High School’s “Update” page, only three percent of high school relationships last past college.

So students may ask themselves if he or she should wait until after graduation to start a serious relationship.

“I feel like the single life is a lot better because it helps build the relationship with myself and what I want in the future,” said junior Paxton Gay.

“When you’re younger, it is a lot more complicated,” said freshman Chloe LaPoint. “When you’re a freshman, it is not really going to be serious, and you don’t really know what you want yet.”

In high school, not only do students have to make time for homework from several different classes, they have to time manage between extracurriculars, electives, and school events.

So, can students fit a relationship in their busy schedules?

“I think school should still be the most important thing in their lives..and not just making that boy or girl everything,” said Counselor Rosalyn Greer.

If students do decide to start a high school relationship, especially in junior and senior year, what happens after they walk across the graduation stage?

“During junior and senior year you focus a lot on college, and sometimes that gets in the way of the relationship,”  said junior Forrest Varone-Brown.

Between SAT and ACT testing, applications, and college visits, students often think about their future after they leave the high school halls.

“But after all that stress is out of the way, and everyone is moving to college and they know exactly what they want to do, then that is when a serious relationship should form,” said junior Forrest Varone-Brown.

If students do want to enter a relationship in high school, some of our administrators have some helpful tips.

“It would be healthy in a high school relationship to set up boundaries,” said Counselor Heather Holmes. “Don’t lose your own individuality.”

“Take care of your goals first..because if you get so wrapped up in the relationship, you let time go by and have nothing accomplished,” said Counselor Jason Wooden.

Even some recent high school graduates have advice for their high school friends.

“I would tell my friend that is in a high school relationship, don’t stress about the little things,” said graduate Triston Hylton. “Enjoy all the time you can with all the people you are with.”