In high school, it seems that no one can keep up a solid relationship. Among the cheating, scandals and breakups, it’s hard to see where the love is.

Since our parents’ era, the possibility of marrying a high-school sweetheart has decreased tremendously, so one would guess that there are few serious couples roaming the hallways, right?

Turns out, there is a larger amount of couples than expected, and quite a few are long-term. Angela Demanche and Ryan Vigeant, both juniors at South, are one of the long-term couple sets. When asked to comment on the matter, Demanche said dating is totally worth it.

"He’s my support system," Demanche said, "and I wouldn’t trade that in for anything."

There could be many reasons why teens have this attitude toward relationships. What determines their outlook on the topic is the experience they’ve had with relationships in the past. Some who have been hurt choose the single path, believing that the solo life will not add any more stress to the already hectic life of a teen. Vincent Annicchiarico, a South junior, is one such student.

"I think teen dating is overhyped," he said. "However, I do think that if treated right, it definitely is a benefit to your high school experience. Teen dating is worth it, as long as you respect your relationship and your boyfriend/girlfriend."

A large number of South teens have a much more laid-back outlook. They’re choosing short, PDA-filled (public displays of affection) relationships.

Walking in the halls of South between classes on any given day, it’s easy to spot couples in the throes of a makeout session. Annicchiarico is not impressed.

"PDA is absolutely unnecessary," he said. "Give a quick kiss. Don’t eat her face in front of me. Get a room!"

This an opinion that many South students hold. However, many students these days are having shorter relationships with more PDA involved.

A study by the Maryland-based think tank Child Trends shows students in high school in 2013 were less likely to date than teens in 1991. Among seniors, the proportion of students who don’t date more than doubled, from 14 percent in 1991 to 38 percent in 2013. Meanwhile, the number of high school sophomores who never date increased from 28 to 44 percent, and the proportion of eighth-graders who never date increased from 48 to 60 percent.

Teen dating has evolved rapidly since our parents and grandparents’ time. These days, it seems that it is not worth as much as it used to be.

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