As soon as February hits, it feels like every store is taken over by the spirit of Saint Valentine himself. There’s too much red, too much glitter, and too many couple themed displays. It’s enough to make anyone feel bad about themselves. But we here at The Paw Print, despite the theme of this issue, would like to make a point: it’s okay to not be in a romantic relationship.
Now, our center spread does happen to be a two page feature on the bachelors and bachelorettes of Green High School, but it’s meant to be a cool piece showcasing some amazing (and single) people, not some weird matchmaking bit. Many of those featured are single by choice (some aren’t) and either way they are absolutely killing it. It is the editorial staff’s last wish to push the narrative that people who are single are just sad little cast-offs waiting for their other half.
The truth is, there’s a weird pressure to live out the “perfect teen life,” a life that comes complete with high school sweethearts and a golden retriever. Blame whoever you want: movies, parents, society at large, but so many teens feel like they need to have their first kiss, their first date, their first romantic attachment in high school when that’s simply not the case. We here at The Paw Print want you to know that your relationship status is frankly no one’s business. You are perfect just the way you are, whether you have someone to call a partner or don’t. Because at the end of the day, that’s just what Valentine’s Day is: a number on a calendar. So eat some chocolate, watch a rom com, and hang out with a person you love: either romantically, platonically, or familial. Like the Beatles said, all you need is love. They didn’t mention a partner.