VALENTINE’S DAY is right around the corner. Hearts, candies, balloons, and teddy bears will be seen around Granger High on February 14. Many students have dates planned and restaurants booked, while other students see it just as another day.

As many Granger relationships are thriving, some students don’t feel the need to be in a relationship during high school. “I realized that I don’t need valentines to feel appreciated, especially with what society expects in high school love,” Yvette Ingabire (12) said. Society expects many things for high school students. But one that has been more noticed lately has been young love.

The need to be in a relationship and to fit in makes students feel left behind and think they are running out of time, but many students’ lives have just started. “I think high school relationships are cute, but not being able to experience them sucks, I realize though that it might not be my time, and I’ve accepted that, and I don’t mind that,” Ingabire said.

While being in high school is a big step for freshmen, it’s also a big realization for many upperclassmen. A realization that people, friendships, and relationships come and go. The relationships stay in the past for many reasons. People can become strangers very easily. So, is it important to be in a relationship during high school?

“As I became a senior and have never dated, I realized that being in a relationship in high school is overrated, and people make it sound better than it is,” Ingabire said. Sometimes being single can make a person wiser than being in a fake relationship where love doesn’t exist. Ingabire said she has never been in a relationship, but her advice is very wise as a high school senior. “Don’t be afraid to find love in high school, but don’t expect to find love in high school.” Many people don’t take relationships seriously till they are 25 years old, but it truly just depends.

Everyone is different, so being 17 and not being in a relationship is OK. “Students are still so young and have so many other things to fall in love with. Like having healthy relationships with friends and family, working hard for your future, and overall falling in love with yourself. By doing that, you naturally attract people into your life that want to be with you,” Ingabire said.

It’s true, focusing on having healthy relationships with people who truly care, like friends and family members, can show how being in a high school relationship isn’t always all that. “I hope that everyone that’s in a relationship enjoys the moments, and I wish them the best. But for everyone who isn’t in a relationship or has never been in one, there’s nothing wrong with you! You are handsome/beautiful so don’t feel the need to rush yourself to get into anything if you’re not ready for it. Love will find you,” she said.

Being single is an opportunity to live life and not have to apologize for that. So many students who are single on Valentine’s Day should not let anyone else ruin a holiday that’s meant for everyone to enjoy.