High school is a time for self-discovery. It is when you begin to figure out who you are as a person, and a lot can change. It is a time where you should be fully devoted to your studies, friendships and extra activities. Relationships come into play in high school as well. Boys can come pick girls up for dates without having to ask their parents for a ride. Dating can be awesome for some people during these four years, but for me, it just does not seem worth it.
Don't get me wrong, I have not given up the idea of dating completely. It just seems like a pointless path right now. Why focus all this energy on someone that I know I will never marry? Going on casual dates or getting to know people is perfectly harmless. If you are not fit for the person, that is totally OK. You are not making a full commitment to that individual. You may not even ever have to see them again! You cannot be forced to spend time on anyone. Some people like to date in high school until they graduate, and both parties agree to go their separate ways. My dad always tells me that I need to go into college single and not tied down to anyone that could end up not being my husband. I could not agree more, Dad.
First off, most of the guys I hang out with on a daily basis are in theater with me. I see them probably more than my parents. They have become so close with me these past three years of high school that it feels like I would be dating one of my brothers. That just sounds gross. Yes, you need to know someone you are in a relationship well. I do not also need to see them every single day at every single hour. Having space between you and your partner is healthy. However, when do I have the time to date anyone that is not in my theater troupe? Whenever I am asked on a date, my common response has become, "I am really sorry, but I have rehearsal." They ask me about another time, and I basically have to repeat myself until they just have to give up (the rehearsal trick also comes in handy when I need to avoid anyone). If they do not do theater and we start to talk, odds are one of us (usually me) gets bored. I am super outgoing when it comes to making small talk or texting, yet I usually figure out that a) they are super shy b) have no clue what a single show on Broadway is, or c) they think my personality is way too much (the last one is not wrong though).
My crazy schedule keeps me busy. If I am not at home, I am at rehearsal/working on something theater-related. If I am not doing something with theater, I am at home finishing homework or preparing myself for the next day. Breaks are for the weak. I would rather be focusing on keeping myself at the top of my game than committing to a relationship. I feel like it would almost be selfish for me to have a boyfriend. I would never have time for them, or I would end up probably even forgetting that I was dating someone. My mind is all over the place; I am a mess in the best way possible. To keep me at my best, I cannot date for pure enjoyment. When the time comes for me to get serious about being with someone in the future, I will be ready. Now is not that time. For now, I want to focus on pursuing myself, my dreams and the people I love.
What I am trying to say is that I have stopped searching for a guy. If God has a guy in store for me, He will bring him into my life. It may be in two weeks or maybe seven years, but I will know when he is there. I can feel it. High school has been a great experience as a strong, independent theater-loving gal. That is just the way I like it. I am so thankful to have my best friends and family by my side and theater in my heart. That's all I need.
