I know there are many of you out there, maturity levels ranging far above and below my own, who believe my youth invalidates my story. I don’t blame you. I am only sixteen. “Highschool love” is just a big oxymoron to me. But no matter how many relationship websites or love story blogs you visit, you will never be able to define love like this.
Quite honestly, love is indefinite. I can’t define love, but I can tell you how love defines my relationship.

-Our romance is beneath our friendship. He is my best friend, not just my boyfriend. And “best friend” is how I will always think of him first. We agreed if we have to, we will break up before that ever changes.
-I lied to him that my parents abused me. I created bruises all over my body and slit my writs. I faked fainting spells and arrhythmia. I called him frequently while sobbing and threatening to commit suicide, faking my suicide twice. I faked extreme pyrophobia. And then I told him the truth.
-We talked ahead of time about sex. We are going to wait. We’re too young. We’re still growing. Things as important as sex should not be rushed, forced. Sex is a gift and a connection that we’re not mentally, physically prepared for.
-He thought he was going to die. I ditched the entire school day to be with him, deliberately disobeying my parents.
-He asked me what I would think if he left for the entire summer to go to a prestigious musicians camp. Though I didn’t want him to go, I encouraged him to. I will do what’s best for him even when it isn’t easy for me. While he was gone, I spent time with his mom. We planned a surprise party for the day he got back. I invited his close friends and cooked his favorite meals.
-When he is insecure, I don’t make him feel better. I give him a reality check.
-We are taking ballroom dance lessons together so that we won’t be like every other annoying couple vacuuming each other’s faces off at prom.
-We don’t make out. We don’t kiss. We connect. We are affectionate vs sexual.
-We are in love.

(Screen) Name: Nina