With the constant focus on our youth and the fixation on beauty and popularity, there are immeasurable amounts of pressure when it comes to the dating scene – something we teenagers are new to and obviously confused about. But what goes even deeper into this uncertainty is the much whispered about issue of dating up to, or even down to, your level – staying within your ‘league.’

This was a discussion that came up in class one day and I was surprised, and honestly shocked, by some of the things that I heard from my peers; it seemed my views of dating and happiness were of the minority.

The way I see dating is simple: whichever person can make you the happiest and who will help you be the best person you can be, is who you should be with. When you make the decision to involve yourself with someone new, it should only be for yours, and their, happiness. Your choice should never have to be chosen on the basis of popularity, class or good looks.

If I were to go by this system, by ‘law’ I’d have to date a macho jock who wouldn’t know Obama from bin Laden. Yeah, I don’t think so, not my style.

Now, some thoughts and opinions I have heard from my peers, and also from my own personal experience, have nothing to do with what I believe. It seems a lot of kids these days are so obsessed with material goods and their own conceited appearance issues, they are willing to give up the chance to actually be happy in a relationship all because they are worried about what other people will think. Twisted opinions about yourself from your peers should be no reason why or how you choose a partner.

I know this sort of attitude towards something that is so broad a subject – and with many different opinions about it – is hard to bring down to one bit of advice. But I think it’s possible to learn to make choices that are good for you. If you are willing to go beyond your comfort zone and begin to understand what is really important and what is just trivial nonsense, the nonsense will pass you by. As you follow what you truly want from not only a partner, but from yourself as well, the choice will be easier. The first step: worry about what you want and believe, and stop worrying about what others will think of you. You can figure out the rest after the first falls into place.

Hannah McCluskey is a senior at Kingston High School. When she’s not writing, she’s playing fast-pitch softball.