Do you ever walk the hallways and see those cheesy, perhaps even downright gross, couples kissing in the hallways, causing traffic to stop? Or the over-the-top affectionate ones in school who make others uncomfortable with their antics? To some degree, one has to feel a sense of  secondhand embarrassment for them.

Being single in high school guarantees teens a better experience in some of their best years: more time to hang out with friends, fewer distractions from one’s studies, and no danger of an argument with a dramatic partner. Let’s not forget single people have richer, more diverse social lives. 

“It’s so important to have fun these years, to spend time with friends meet new people and focus on school and yourself,” senior Nevaeh Muller said.

As such, the Chronicle presents a simple “how-to” for those who want to remain single for the rest of their high school career. Without further ado, here are the steps one must take: 

1. Always walk the hallways like you hate everyone in your sight (maintain a relaxed facial expression: no grin, just a bland look.). Appearing as unfriendly and unapproachable as possible is an important first step, and can ward off potential partners before they even get any ideas. 
2. Express – frequently – how unattractive the guys at school are. The word “ugly” should become a constant, and be sure to explain that because there are so many cuter guys out there in the world, it is impossible to settle for one of these eyesores in the vicinity.
3. If you do like a guy, go out of your way to talk about other males in front of him. This is a good time to bring up ex-boyfriends, male lab partners, and that funny guy in English class. Doing so will, for sure, make any potential boyfriend not want to be with you.

4. 

   Hate PDA. With a passion. There is nothing worse than seeing a couple tickle each other at the cafeteria table when one is trying to stomach a slice of pizza. The same can be said of those couples who seem to be playing the hand-clapping games of childhood during PE class.

5. Be delusional. Talk about a guy you think is cute as if you were dating him, and all the other guys will stay away. Refusing to accept one’s reality, and making up romantic relationships that are not actually happening is a sure-fire way to stay single.

Although growing up with iconic rom-coms like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days”, “High School Musical”, and “10 Things I Hate About You”, suggest being in a relationship is the ultimate goal, and worth all the hassle, these are never real. Commitment is always fun to imagine, but remember, Andie Anderson is not worrying about finals. Kat Stratford’s father has a hot tub on his balcony. These are not characters with real-life problems.

It is better to live a free life in high school and wait until you are a grown adult to find love.