“When your legs don’t work like they used to before. And I can’t sweep you off of your feet. Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love? Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks? And darling I will be loving you ’til we’re 70… or until summer or I find someone better or I get bored.” The fabricated ending of Ed Sheeran’s hit “Thinking Out Loud” holds merit to teenagers who will most likely leave their “true love” behind along with their lockers, hall passes, detentions and other trappings of their high school experience.

The idea of Valentine’s Day brings infatuation to all ages. In particular, it naively settles into the hearts of teenagers who want to finally know what love is. Adolescent romances fill the hallways of North, giving first the exposure of affection to many students.

“It’s always good to experience love and how to care for someone besides yourself,” junior Lily Wan said.

The sensation of being in love is always appealing to teens struggling to grow up in a world surrounded by the media presenting happy couples. Watching Jay-Z and Beyonce’s romance spark through computer screens may convince students that they are ready for a relationship as well.

“A lot of pressure comes from seeing other people in relationships. Then, if all of your friends start, you’ll feel left out,” senior Hannah Stazak said. “It’s pretty dumb. Just have fun with your life. Just chill.”

The manifestation of romance is an awkward stage for teens as they endeavor through gathering the courage to talk to the object of their affection.

“It really depends on the person. Some people stand and stare [at their crush] or hide in the corner. They really don’t know if they like the person. Friend turns into relationship which is pushed to break-up zone,” health teacher Amanda Viece said.

The romantic tone of V-Day may not be reaching every student as there are many who believe the idea of dating in high school is neglectful to being themselves and to their focus in school. Many students admit that dating at such a young age could potentially lead to consequences such as a decrease in grades, lack of focus on extra-curricular activities, empty wallets and eventually the risk of pregnancy.

“We’re basically children. It’s a terrible idea. It’s a waste of time and money,” junior Tricia Tabladillo said.

Some students even believe that dating before getting a license could cause embarrassment for themselves and their partner as they do not have a car or any money.

“Wait until you’re 16. It’s awkward when you’re driving with your parents to a date,” freshman Karly Sonnenberg said.

With being in a new relationship, some teens may face the predicament of intimacy with their partner. Many students may not understand if it is an activity that is worth waiting for. Teens may convince themselves that being an adult includes having sexual relations with their partner could be expected in a relationship.

“Personally, I think teens should wait. Freshmen and sophomores are not educated [on intimacy],” Viece said. “Less than half of teens are sexually active. People get pressured because they think everyone is doing it.”

Some high school relationships may hold strong through college or even marriage, while many others may dwindle in the forgotten past. Psychology teacher Brandie Schlott and her current husband started dating at the ages of 15 and 17, respectively.

“Relationships are difficult. It’s not hoping things will be a certain way. You work through each other’s problems. Collectively, you’re two people that coming together. I suppose you have to make a choice. If both people are committed, you make it work,” Schlott said.

While many relationships hope to stay together forever, most students find themselves drifting away from each other. Economics teacher Sean Barber relates to this first hand as he had parted ways with his girlfriend shortly after graduation.

“[His high school sweetheart and himself] dated for nine months. We went to two separate colleges and couldn’t handle the distance,” Barber said.

As the heartbreak may be difficult, finding that first love is a big step in every teen’s road to adulthood.

“It’s a good experience to learn how to be in a relationship. You get to see what you like in somebody and the good and bad sides of yourself,” Barber said.