As the holiday months approach, teenage relationships are known for shifting all over. Is it the season for cozying up with someone new, or cutting ties before the holidays hit? As temperatures drop, students across campus are split on whether this winter should be spent with a significant other or on themselves as breakups begin. While some teens are searching for comfort and connection in these colder months, others say the pressure of the winter season makes being single feel like the better choice.
As winter settles in, relationships at SDHS are shifting in real time. Some students say the colder months make them want a stable relationship, or strengthening ones they already have. Irish Norman (11th) says, “The holidays are always better spent with a partner, you could do fun things like bake and watch movies!” For them, cuffing season feels like a break from stressful finals, having cozy nights, and the comfort of having a significant someone during the busiest and happiest time of year.
Some others, are experiencing the opposite. With academic stress like finals, holiday plans, and common shifting in friend dynamics, many students say they’re feeling overwhelmed; making breakups more common. For these students, the holiday season isn’t about finding someone; it’s about regrouping themselves, and lowing their stress levels before the new year begins.
An infamous couple here on the SDHS campus is Jocelyn Ruelas (11th) and Gavin Westervode (11th). Jocelyn states, “Having a boyfriend during the holidays allows me to feel more appreciated and loved throughout finals season, he makes my year better.” It is clear this holiday season these two will happy this winter season.
The root cause of breakups are social media. Cheating; specifically liking posts, and texting are all forms of cheating that are commonly found on social media. Anonymous person says, “Finding out the guy I was talking to was actually texting a whole other girl on Instagram behind my back was betrayal on a whole other level, and now the fact their dating makes it so much worse.”
Trends on TikTok often praise cuffing season; while also celebrating the single people out there, leaving students caught between the single life, or the cuffed life. These trends result in a divide on the campus between couples and singles.
One couple that’s getting close to cuffing (hopefully) is Junior Jacob Marshall, and Mick Miller (11th). Jacob says, “Meeting Mick was such a good surprise this holiday season, I can’t wait to see what our relationship will grow in to!”
Another couple that is fully cuffed is Senior Jon Kian Razon and Evany Chen (12). Jon states, “I’m convinced I met my wife.” Jon and Evany have been enjoying this holiday season together, making many memories that will last a lifetime.
Another almost couple sadly ended due to miscommunication and sports. Anonymous person says, “Football season with them was fun because I looked forward to cheering for him, but once that season ended, its like our connection ended as well.
Lastly, a almost couple ended due to complications with the relationship. Amber Liu (11th) said, “He was super super sweet, and such a kind person, but the connection just wasn’t there. With finals coming up, I had to focus on myself; therefore, costing myself a relationship.” This shows that to some students, school is more important than any potential healthy relationships.
As routines change and the year winds down, relationship standards rise. Students may have different expectations, like seeking comfort or craving space; but almost everyone feels the shift during the holidays, in one way or another.
Whether this winter season is full of love and cuffing, or full of the independent single life, new couples or singles all prefer different times during this season.
But one thing is clear: students here on SDHS aren’t navigating the season blindly. They’re reflecting, and deciding what feels right for them, one relationship at a time.
