Many people advise against going to college while still dating your high school sweetheart, and I often agree with that sentiment. However, shortly after getting into a relationship with my boyfriend our senior year of high school, we decided that we would not be following that advice. 

My boyfriend and I have been dating for around 10 months now, three of which have been largely over FaceTime due to the fact that he goes to school in Washington, D.C., and I’m here in Northfield. The idea of long-distance relationships used to bother me, especially ones starting in high school. I recognize that most of my feelings of resentment stem from my insecurities, which can lead to jealousy issues — but also from the fact that high school relationships typically don’t have the level of trust and commitment necessary for long-distance relationships. So, I think I understand why many of these relationships seem to fail as soon as they find themselves apart, and I would be lying if I said I haven’t had those worries about my own relationship. 

What has kept me going is this: although it may be a challenge to navigate a new form of connection during a new chapter of life, I haven’t once doubted that I want to face that challenge with my boyfriend. And maybe this is where my story stops being relatable because not everyone can have such an incredibly understanding and steadfast partner, but I digress; it really does matter who you choose to dedicate your time to. Sure, we’re only a few months into this whole thing. Sure, there will be difficult conversations and plenty of misunderstandings. And yes, we will most certainly change throughout the whole process. But with him, that feels a lot less scary and completely worth it.