... "High school love never last."
... "Don't focus on one person when you get to college."
... "You won't end up with the person you love in high school."
... "You're missing out on the college experience."
These are just a few of the things I have heard from opinionated individuals about my relationship. Sometimes it made me feel like our relationship was doomed, that maybe they were right. But, when I look back at the almost four years of our relationship, I see all the love, happiness, and memories we share and know they are wrong. The love we have for each other is a love most people don't experience in their lifetime.
There's a saying that you only get one great love in your lifetime. Well, this is mine. Being a high school sweetheart is extraordinary and wonderful. I am not going to listen to those who say otherwise. To those who say that high school romances can't last. I found my best friend and soulmate in one. Being with someone since I was 16, almost 17 years old comes with the greatest memories, joy, and laughter. He knows everything there is to know about me, and me him. Secrets aren't a thing in our relationship. We were able to build a base of trust and understanding well before we left for college and that has only made us stronger.
I can't imagine my life without him, and I don't ever want to. I love our story, of how we came to love each other. I love that it started with a math class in a high school classroom that turned to what I think of a movie romance. It's ours and it's not up for opinions. I am happy and lucky that I have someone to go through life with who understands the quirks I have that no one else can see. Someone who can see when I need a minute, a hug, a joke, or a shoulder to cry on. College is stressful enough, and I wouldn't be enjoying it if he wasn't in the picture. He is my rock.
I have never felt that I am missing out on the "college experience" by loving someone. I don't want what that entails: one night stands or awkward first dates. I want what we have. I am grateful for what we have. I think this thinking annoys me the most. I am not missing out on anything by being with someone who loves me and treats me beyond my expectations. We have something that's unique and ours. Something that can't be replicated by frat parties and college dating culture.
I won't listen to those comments. The truth is, they are simply wrong. If two people didn't last in high school, I firmly believe it's because it wasn't right in the first place. I don't think it has anything to do with being in high school. Growing together, laughing together, learning together. Together is my favorite part. I have a "together" and that makes me incredibly happy. I have someone to share all these experiences with, someone who can appreciate them the same as me.
