Nowadays, teenagers may consider a relationship to consist of texting or having a “thing.” But what happens when a thing turns into a relationship?

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many couples involved in long-term relationships reflect on what it means to be in a relationship.

Junior Danny Legittino feels that being in a relationship through high school gives him the opportunity to share the ups and downs of his high school career with someone special.

“I like it,” Legittino said. “You have someone to go through the stresses with.”

Senior Erika Eiseland, who has been in a relationship for more than a year, also feels that being in a relationship as a high school student presents opportunity.

“You get to [be involved] in a lot of high school experiences together, like going to dances,” Eiseland said. “You kind of grow up together.”

But school dances aren’t the only thing that high school students in relationships have to look forward to. According to Legittino, being in a relationship means always having support.

“I always have someone to go to, someone to talk to, and you can always talk to a best friend, but a best friend can’t hug you and tell you it’ll be okay,” Legittino said. “To have someone like that, it’s nice.”

According to Legittino, being in a different grade than his girlfriend presents a challenge when it comes to being in a relationship.

“We have different friends so when we go to parties, events […] there’s always going to be [times when you feel you are] missing out on being single,” Legittino said. “But then when you’re with that person you remember why it’s so important to be in a relationship.”

Senior Conor Heneghan also feels that he has faced challenges in his relationship.

“[We have confronted stereotypes because] of the fact that we are an interracial couple,” Heneghan said.

Although there are struggles involved in being in a long-term relationship as a high school student, junior Jacob Kidd feels that it is worth making it work.

“It really depends on the person and the couple,” Kidd said. “If they really have the dedication and truly like and love the other person they will make that relationship work, but if they don’t, it won’t last more than maybe two months.”

Though relationships in high school can be difficult to maintain, Eiseland supports them.

“Being in a long-term relationship is tough, but at the same time, there are a lot more benefits than negative parts to it,” Eiseland said.