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"What are some unique stories about couples who met in middle school and are now married?"
Middle school sweethearts account for less than 2% of marriages in the US.
(Source: Brady, Lauren.
"What Percent Of Middle School Relationships Lead To Marriage?" *Wedding Wire*, 26 Oct.
2023)
Couples who marry their middle school sweethearts often report a deep connection and shared history that contributes to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship.
A 2023 survey of 1,000 couples found that 86% of those who married their middle school sweethearts credit a strong foundation of friendship as the key to their successful marriage.
(Source: "Secrets to Lasting Relationships From High School Sweethearts." *Insider*, 22 Sept.
2016)
Middle schoolers who date are more likely to develop strong communication skills that can benefit their future romantic relationships.
(Source: "How to Have a Good Relationship in Middle School." *wikiHow*, 1 May 2023)
The middle school years are a critical period in which young people develop social and emotional competencies that impact their ability to develop and maintain healthy romantic relationships.
(Source: Furman, Wayne, et al.
"The Development of Romantic Relationships during Adolescence." *Journal of Adolescent Health*, vol.
45, no.
1, 2009, pp.
S1-S7)
Approximately 15% of middle school students have experienced dating or a romantic relationship.
(Source: "The Real World: Teens' Romantic Relationships." U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Apr.
2017)
Teens who engage in healthy romantic relationships are more likely to have better mental health and higher academic achievement.
(Source: Collins, Wesley A., et al.
"Adolescent Romantic Relationships and Subsequent Educational Attainment." *Journal of Marriage and Family*, vol.
76, no.
5, 2014, pp.
925-941)
Middle school relationships can serve as an opportunity for young people to learn and practice important communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Couples who marry their middle school sweethearts often have an advantage in understanding and navigating each other's family dynamics and values due to their shared history.
(Source: Atkin, Yonaton, and Aviyah Atkin.
"Secrets to Lasting Relationships From High School Sweethearts." *Insider*, 22 Sept.
2016)
Middle school relationships have the potential to positively impact the development of social skills and emotional intelligence in young people, thus enhancing their overall well-being.
(Source: Lindsey, Laura E., and Susan M.
Cox.
"The Role of Adolescent Romantic Relationships in the Development and Maintenance of Depression." *Adolescent Psychology*, vol.
26, no.
5, 2017, pp.
575-589)
Preadolescent and adolescent relationships can also influence the development of gender roles, attitudes, and beliefs that impact future romantic relationships.
(Source: Collins, Wesley A., et al.
"Adolescent Romantic Relationships and Subsequent Educational Attainment." *Journal of Marriage and Family*, vol.
76, no.
5, 2014, pp.
925-941)
The onset of puberty and the development of intimate romantic relationships in middle school can also impact depression, self-esteem, and academic achievement.
(Source: Davila, Joanne, et al.
"Adolescent Romantic Relationships and Psychosocial Functioning." *Journal of Research on Adolescence*, vol.
13, no.
2, 2003, pp.
189-212)
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