Doing relationships while at school can act as a distractor. Relationships reduce self-confidence,
cause immature patterns like cheating, messy breakups and conflicts within the relationship. There
is also time wasting, lying and pretending . Here are more negative impacts of relationships;

1. Depression and other mental disorders.
After a failed relationship some students face serious challenges of concentrating on their school
work. Students fail to listen and focus on what will be taking place in the classroom wanting to find
where the relationship went wrong. Some even fail to sleep, have low self-esteem, feel helpless,
fear, and even have narcissist tendencies

Lack of Appetite
Some students lose appetite because of relationships. As a result they do not feel like eating
resulting in food disorders. In other cases some start eating more finding comfort in food. Some also
go for unhealthy dieting to reduce stress, which is not recommendable.

Isolation from others
Some students withdraw after a failed relationship. Their behaviour results in them losing friends.
They may end up hurting others.
Suicidal Thoughts.
Suicidal thoughts are more often seen after failed relationships thinking that things cannot get
better. Relationships make one suffer emotionally and feel suicide is better than suffering .
Early Sex
Relationships also lead to one being pressured into have early sexual relationships. lf you sleep with
someone , you will be disappointed and end up feeling guilty. It is important not to be attached to
anyone. There is nothing like, 'you are my world and without you, I'm empty; love you with all my
heart'. These are fake statements. Do not entertain these fake words. In most cases people that date
you at school are not the people that will marry you.
After having sex, it is common to see your boyfriend dating your friend or classmate. Say no to sex
before marriage and value your body as it is not meant for everyone. Remain pure and intact.
Avoid hugging everyone at school. Avoid going to secluded places or lodges. Avoid going to wild
parties as some students are abused at these parties. Avoid fondling, kissing etc. Your body is GOLD
no-one should play with it.
Jealousy

Relationships also leads one to be jealous as you are constantly worried about your boyfriend or
girlfriend. If you see your boyfriend or girl friend with someone you will be worried. Instead of being
worried about your school work you are now worried about someone, who after finishing school will
not even marry you. Very few students married each other after finishing high school. By the time
you get to tertiary institutions, you will meet someone better. High school relationships are
therefore a mere waste of time.
Avoid also going out with older people because they buy you nice takeaways or data bundles or
airtime. Some students love cars and want to be seen in fancy cars. Older people with cars want to
use you.
Remove your clothes ONLY when you are bathing. Do not allow anyone to remove your clothes. You
are valuable, do not reduce yourself. Wait for your right person. Remember when you get married,
you will be sleeping with your person everyday- Monday to Sunday, so why rush now. Be patient and
wait for the right time. Do not give your heart to anyone, you will be heartbroken. Enjoy your peace,
live right so that you enjoy your tomorrow.
Remember, with God you will not go wrong. Talk to him and praise his name time and again.
Dr Manners Msongelwa
+263 771 019 392
Teacher/Youth Coach/ Author