Emily Ramirez

Student Sebastian Saenz ‘proposes’ to Sandra Gallegos.

According to Google AI Overview, couples who have been together for a long time tend to experience physical, mental, and social benefits that include reduced stress, a lower heart rate when together, and increased longevity. Successful long-term relationships are also made up of two individuals sharing the same core values and beliefs, their ability to resolve conflicts in a respectful manner, and maintaining their individual hobbies for additional growth.

According to Dr. Aniesa Hanson’s article titled “10 Facts About Strong Relationships,” couples who last long can do so because they accept one another. This includes their shortcomings and flaws. If people spend time wishing for their partner to change or “fall in love with their potential,” then they aren’t truly accepting their partner for who they truly are. As humans, it is important to accept one another for our authentic, true selves.

According to Kyle Benson’s article titled “People Who’ve Been in Long-Term Relationships Know These Eight Truths Better Than Anyone Else,” happiness in relationships, contrary to popular belief, does not come from finding the right person, but from being the right person. And this alone requires huge personal growth. Relationships allow individuals to learn to control their anger, their reactions, and their defensiveness so they can find new ways of being affectionate, giving, and respectful of their partner’s differences. The pair learns to behave in trustworthy ways to prove their commitment and reliability to their relationship. Being the right partner is not easy, but the emotional depth and growth that come with it bring fulfillment beyond imagination.

More than half of Morton East students agree that communication is essential for a long-lasting relationship.

Teachers at Morton East and other staff were then asked to answer the question, “What’s something you wished you knew about love in high school?”

“For reference, I have been with my wife since we were first-year students in high school. Looking back at our relationship back then, I wish that I would have known how love is really complicated and difficult — it demands a lot of work. It is not always picture-perfect like the movies,” said Mr. Kyle Boyd.

“At its heart, love is based on communication, empathy, compromise, and showing up every day. When my wife and I were in high school, it was easy for us to get along and share a love for each other. However, loving someone for years — decades, even — takes effort. Not because it is necessarily difficult to love the person, but because you must choose to love them every day. Whether you are in a good mood, a bad mood, or something in between, you must still recognize that you love this other person and that you want to show up for them. This is not as easy as it may sound, though. You might be in a bad mood because of something your partner did to you. You still need to choose if you are going to love them and be there for them,” said Mr. Kyle Boyd.

“It makes me think of this image (see below) that I have seen of two older people sitting on opposite sides of a park bench in the rain. On one side is an angry-looking old man holding an umbrella. However, he is holding the umbrella over the head of the woman. The woman is then looking over her shoulder lovingly at the old man. Sometimes I have seen this image with the quote, ‘Just because I’m mad at you doesn’t mean I don’t care or stop loving you.’ This perfectly embodies the point that I am trying to make,” said Mr. Kyle Boyd.

“Another thing that I wish I knew is how much both of you will change. You are just teenagers. During your teenage years is when you change the most — mentally, physically, and emotionally. You are still figuring everything out. Understanding that you are both going to grow and that change is necessary is important, but it is also important that you are both willing to help each other through these changes. You need to be patient with each other and clearly communicate what you need from each other. This means being willing to accept that sometimes your partner may need time to themselves — away from you — and that this is not an attack against you; it is just something that they need now. This also means that you must be conscientious about communicating your needs to them as well, even when it is difficult to do. By not communicating, you are setting your relationship up for failure. You really need to work hard at this, and you cannot stop. That is what really makes it difficult. You must do this day in and day out. Some days are easier than others, but it is still incredibly essential,” said Mr. Kyle Boyd.

While some teachers took the time to intricately explain their growth and development of character, as well as the effort love takes, others simply stated that although some love stories last, others may not, and that it is okay to start anew.

“That you will fall in love again. Your life does not end, even if you think you are dying or that you will not find someone again. You do find someone later in life,” said Mrs. Jennie Crownson.

In contrast to the previous statement, other teachers did not have much to say other than that love is a learning experience for some individuals and that it shouldn’t be opinionated on by others.

“Nothing. I think that love should be formed on experience, not based on people’s opinions,” said Ms. Kristeen Anthonsen.