As you walk through the halls, it’s normally not hard to spot who is a couple and who is not. Many hold hands, frequently walk beside each other to classes, and overall seem close. While in high school, everything feels intense, but there are times when our feelings are taken too far on school grounds. Some may not be aware of these boundaries, so we want to help out couples and single friends all feel comfortable at Randall High. Collectively, people who are in a two-year, one-year, newly in a relationship, and someone single, worked together and made a list of the Dos and Don’ts of high school relationships.

Don’t:

1. Make your partner your whole personality

• It is OK to have a life outside of your relationship! They will still love you even if you aren’t talking about them. Your friends always appreciate a range of topics to talk about, not just your significant other. This applies to people always complaining about being single as well. Have a personality outside of others wanting to date you or not date you.

2. Take up hallway space to say goodbye to your significant other during the passing period

• You are in the way of others! Some just want to get to class, and so should you. You can see them in 45-50 minutes, which, in our opinion, isn’t long enough to make a scene of saying goodbye. We understand your emotions might be strong, but others have strong emotions about you being in the way. 

3. Cling to each other in the halls

• As full of love as you are, you are in the way of others, which can feel very frustrating to those around you. Not only are you in the way, but you’re making others feel uncomfortable while breaking the PDA rules the school has in place.

4. Making out in the corners of classes and hallways

• You have places to be and people to see, so please get there. The people around you see this and associate you with being gross and making them uncomfortable. Do you want others’ first impression of you to be “ew?” We didn’t think so. 

5. Groping each other

• This makes students, friends and staff uncomfortable, and while we’re sure you love each other very much, some things need to stay private and behind closed doors. There is a time and place for everything; the school day is not the place, and when you should be doing school work or eating is not the time. 

6. Sending inappropriate texts/emails

• This is just weird. Please do this on your own time- not school time. All this shows that you have no self-control. School is a place of learning. If you’re sending emails, please keep in mind that they can be flagged, and adults will read them. If you do not want others to read about how you feel a certain way, you probably shouldn’t send it at all.

7. Straddle each other on the benches

• This is not something you should do at a school, let alone a public environment. If you wouldn’t do this in front of your guardian, then don’t do it in front of faculty members. They won’t run away just because you aren’t on top of each other.

Now you probably read all the don’ts and are wondering, “Well, what can I do with my significant other then?” Don’t worry, we’re not telling you not to show affection or act like you don’t know each other. So, here are some dos with high school relationships that will make them feel loved and still respected by your peers: 

Do:

1. Hold their hand

• It is okay to hold their hand; don’t cling to their arm, hanging on for dear life.

2. A quick side hug before dropping your significant other off at their class

• This is also good! It’s quick, not in the way of others, and you can still be affectionate.

3. A quick kiss outside of school

• This is a parking lot activity *not outside the CTE building, AG, or any other portable building* and this does not mean makeout in the parking lot. Say your goodbyes and get a move on.

4. Sit next to each other and hang out

• It is 100% okay to want to hang out with them and be around them. It can be fun to eat lunch, work on assignments, and talk to each other. Just make sure it stays appropriate and respectful to others.

5. Walk each other to class

• This gives you time to talk to each other and catch up. Just don’t stop in the middle of the hallway to say goodbye.

In conclusion, please be respectful of others. The school is not your humble abode. Please keep your limbs, lips and hands to yourself. Hands visible at all times. If you can’t see your hands, you’re too close.