The majority of Milford High Students have dated in high school, as it is a very common phenomenon for teens. While each relationship is obviously unique, there are many similarities in the dating patterns of Milford students, and teenagers in general.

One common aspect of dating was the first date. In a range of grades and ages, the most common first date was a trip to the movies. The main theory behind this theme is pointed out by Senior James Thomason as he explains,

“movies are nice because you instantly have a subject to talk about after.”

This makes sense due to the fact that many teens will obviously be nervous on a first date, and what could be worse than sitting in awkward silence with the person you’ve been working up the nerve to ask out for weeks? For  many students this is evidently a realistic fear, and so the movies is the most reliable first date option. During the movies you’re not supposed to speak as it is, and afterwards you have the subject of the movie to discuss, therefore this minimizes the amount of time you need to invent conversation to the short time before the movie.

Although they could be typical, first dates at the movies are still considered a success. Milford Junior, Cami Munce, explained that her first date at the movies was successful and she enjoyed it. Ashley Conrad also a junior would consider this type of date a success as well, explaining that “it’s just about getting comfortable with someone.”

These girls were two of several students that described a first date at the movies as successful.

Teens may be happy with a first date at the movies and it’s obviously the safe way to go, however everyone has an ideal fairytale first date in their mind. So what would some of our Milford students ideally do for their fantasy first date?

Munce says her perfect first date would be “ice skating then ice cream, I would love it.”

Conrad explains that she’s more of a “dinner gal” herself, and this would be her ideal first date.

Thomason said he would take a girl go-karting on a first date because it would be kinda funny to see that competitive side of the person.

According to vkool.com, the best first date idea for highschool and college students is to go on an adventure. Not plan anything and to just see where the date takes you.

Cortney Maser, a senior, says her ideal first date would be depending on the season however she would go stargazing.

Lexi McFall, a junior, says that she would prefer mini golfing or bowling on a first date.

There are infinite first date ideas, but what happens after the first date? Unfortunately many high school students do not believe that a serious relationship is possible in high school. In fact according to caecholier.com, high school students who stay away from having a serious boyfriend or girlfriend have a more enjoyable high school experience. Some of our Milford students would agree. Munce when asked if dating in high school is realistic, replied: “I don’t think so, you are too young and not done growing, and what you want changes as you grow as a person.”

Conrad with different reasoning says that the possibility for a serious relationship depends on the person or situation,  each person’s lifestyle, or what they are committed to.

On the other hand, some students are strong believers that dating in high school is realistic, but it is not easy. As Maser explained, “It can’t be one person putting in all of the effort.”

Thomason also agrees that teens can make a relationship work, but only if they are mature enough. Relationships in high school are very possible, however it comes down to whether each person is mature and committed. Mr. Hamilton a teacher at Milford, explains that it is difficult to find someone that works for you because you are still trying to figure out who you are as a person at this point in life. Although he does not disagree that it is possible Hamilton does say, “many times high school students confuse love for lust.”