Relationship roads

a look at the journeys that brought us to today

By:

Posted: 11/20/09

Relationships. Isn't it strange how they mean something different to every person.

But there isn't enough space in this paper to talk about the positives, negatives, neutrals, ups, downs and everything in between that they can mean.

We made a venture with the center spread, so check that out if you haven't already. (Shameless plug from The Southern for The Southern).

But, for now instead of analyzing the ideas that surround relationships today, let's take a trip down memory lane instead.

Remember the day when you had your first crush? You were young, innocent, and na've, or at least we hope so.

Maybe your crush shared his or her snack or was your line buddy. You probably found a way to show you cared as well.

One editor recalls watching a home video where she pushed a boy out of the way to sit next to her crush during a Christmas sing-a-long. She was three years old, and willing to admit this crush lasted through high school with fruitless results. (Oh the joys of anonymity).

Next came the stage where you thought the opposite sex had cooties. That stage fell right around your early elementary school years probably.

Remember spending your elementary school days "circle circle, dot dotting" your friends and yourself to ward off the cootie virus? Those were the days.

The middle school years came next. Let's pause for a moment of awkward silence for those years.

Acne, experimental makeup, bad hairdos and growth spurts. Good times, good times. Throw in crushes and awkward first dates with parental transportation, and well, thankfully we all survived.

Then came high school. Some of us were lucky enough to have cars or a significant other with a car.

High school football games and walking the mall holding hands seemed to be all the rage.

And who can forget all the gossip that accompanied high school relationships.

Well, most of us can't forget it, after all this is Florida Southern High School at times. Gossiping has not become a thing of the past.

And so, that brings us to today, or maybe yesterday, or even tomorrow. Forget "circle circle dot dot," let's hope you're finding other ways to protect yourself from the STD cooties.

But sex-education aside (that was in elementary and middle school anyways), college relationships can be many things.

They can be hookups, one night stands, fall back options or drunken accidents or any other various things.

They also can be life changing in positive ways as well. Future spouses, support systems, finally understanding love and much more.

Like we said before, relationships can be many things.

Send us your thoughts or experiences if you'd like.

This unsigned editorial is meant to reflect the consensus of the newspaper editorial board.