When I was in middle school, it seemed like everyone around me was in a relationship. Looking back now, especially since my siblings are getting to this age, I can't help but scoff at how ridiculous we must have looked. I was not only a participant but a witness to this madness. I watched friends and acquaintances declare their love for one another and the next day act as if nothing happened. Middle school dating is weird, awkward and cringe-worthy. However, it prepares us for serious relationships.

Through those awkward times, we learn how to get used to being with a person for an extended period of time. I'm not saying that we should encourage all fifth-graders to date, but I wouldn't discourage it either. It's around this age that one starts to become interested in having a significant other. Now this isn't true for everyone, some people aren't interested in dating until high school or may never be interested, but for me, I noticed that myself and a lot of my friends at the time were focused on dating.

This was simply a pre-cursor to high school relationships. If anything, middle school dating is similar to having a best friend, except you may hug your boyfriend/girlfriend more than your best friend. Typically, it's innocent. You guys might hang out with other friends, you may catch a movie, but for the most part your interactions are in school. While I may not consider this 'real' dating, it helped me learn how to form relationships. This gave me experience outside of what was displayed in pop-culture at the time.

When I graduated from middle school, I moved up to high school. Now these relationships were a bit different. However, it still seemed up until my sophomore year that my relationships weren't taken seriously. It's not that my family didn't believe in young love, it was just that I didn't seem to believe in it myself. Frankly, I found myself too busy in some way. Too preoccupied with getting high marks and making my way to college. Naturally, when I did choose to spend my time with someone, I often did my best to not waste my time. At the first sign of trouble, I called it off. That was until I met Hector. By no means, am I saying that Hector has been trouble, but I don't think I would have been in a long-term relationship with anyone else.

I was 15-years-old when our relationship started. After about six months, I kept saying, 'I think I'm too invested this time.'

Upon hearing this, my nonna groaned and said, 'Don't say that!'

I was confused. I knew that what we had wasn't some temporary fling. It wasn't just something to keep me or him occupied on the weekends. This was my first real, serious relationship. Even then, it still seemed like relatives didn't understand that two young people could actually be in love. On Nov. 12, we will be celebrating our third year anniversary. Isn't ironic how the relationships we least expect, stick with us?

I'm not crediting my successful relationship to my middle school dating career, but I am saying that love, no matter what age we believe it comes to us, should be valued. Whether you begin dating at 12-years-old or 60-years-old, it's serious. It's delicate. It's a learning experience. And perhaps, it may lead to a long, prosporous relationship. Love is love, no matter what age you are. No matter what gender you are. No matter your preference. No matter your race. Love is love and it should be celebrated.