High school break-ups, make-ups

Relationships are a complicated and multi-faceted thing. In the high school setting, they are exaggerated and minimized to the point of absurdity every day. Wheatland Union High School is no different. Friendships are made and broken on a daily basis. There are hook-ups, break-ups, make-ups — so many ups, it's a wonder everyone hasn't floated away. When it comes to any type of relationship, there is no one more knowledgeable or naïve than a high-schooler.

Patti Agles, a guidance counselor at the school, has been dealing with student relationship problems for years. Her opinions are rather what can be expected from anyone who has seen it all play out hundreds of times. "I realize that (a romantic relationship) is something that people want, the whole ... having a boyfriend and all the other," she said. "But they're really dangerous. I tell all the boys that they shouldn't hang out too much with the girls because they're high-maintenance; and I tell the girls they shouldn't hang out too much with the boys because they're high-maintenance.

"Making a decision that young in your life for the 'forever after' is sometimes difficult," Agles added.

When asked about the arguments that can play out among students, she said: "As an adult looking back, they seem rather silly — but knowing the importance of emotions, if you're feeling these things, they are very real and can be very painful.

"But a lot of the arguments, especially stuff because you posted it on Facebook or MySpace or texted it, it's a lot different than when they used to play 'he said, she said,' when they'd say people were talking about them," she continued. "Now they post it on a website for all to see. Not only is it illegal, but it can be very dangerous because it's there forever."

According to Lexi Ormosen, a senior, romantic relationships in high school are circumstantial: "It depends on people and the circumstances — like the ages of the people, what grade you're in, the overall situation, the different types of people that are together," she said. "And if they have a lot of problems, then they shouldn't be together."

Natasha Harris, sophomore, has a bit of a different view, though: "When you're in high school, you're not really experienced or anything, so you don't really know what you're looking for yet," she said. "Maybe when you're in college, you might fall in love, but not in high school. I don't think you're really in anything committed."

All three ladies have the same stance on fights in friendships, though, finding them rather silly, especially when based on hearsay.

Agles' parting advice for students is to enjoy relationships with one another, but not to get into them too deeply. I have to say, I agree with these wise words, considering she only meant them in the context of high school relationships.

Toni Bailey is a senior at Wheatland Union High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.