Love can spark in many different ways, and relationships are blossoming left and right. As Valentine’s Day approaches everyone is looking for ways to share the love. People spend the day eating chocolates together and enjoying the company of those they love. During this year’s Valentine’s Day season, these three couples share a glimpse into their love story.

Paolo Rabiela and Nila Divakar

Sophomore Paolo Rabiela and junior Nila Divakar have packed schedules. Balancing sports, school, and clubs, they still manage to see each other every day. “We are both able to balance our relationship and our extracurriculars very well,” Rabiela said. The two first met in 2023 during the marching band season. “We actually didn’t know each other until we actually sat together on the last competition we went to,” Rabiela said. “We had to double up on the bus which resulted in her bag being moved to my seat, so everyone could double up.”

During the bus ride, they were able to share niche interests and became fast friends. “It was a happy accident,” Divakar said. “It was an exponential rate of how much we talked to each other, we had very similar walks of life.” 

On Jan. 19, 2024, the two officially became an item.  “All of our interests snowballed into this hazy phase,” Divakar said. “I mean, I saw it coming, and when he asked, I said yes.” With the friendship aspect of their relationship already created, they had no problem getting comfortable with each other. “We never had that awkward stage; we were just able to talk,” Rabiela said. “She brought out that talkative side of me.”  

The experiences they share, and their understanding of each other, made the shift into a romantic relationship feel like a seamless next step. What solidified their bond was the qualities they admired in each other. For Rabiela, it was Divakar’s dedication. “[Her] ability to accomplish whatever [she] wants because of [her] nature of dedication makes me feel seen,” Rabiela said. “It shows that she is putting a lot of effort into the relationship, like I am.” For Divakar, it was Rabiela’s passion. “Every single thing he does, he has passion, empathy, and drive,” Divakar said. “[He’s] a big ball of sunshine,”

As their one year anniversary passes, they both agree that their relationship has had its challenges. “We overcame obstacles and [social] pressure, which is what made our relationship as strong as it was in the beginning and how it is today,” Divakar said. With their ups and downs, these two swear there are only two things that let their relationship work: patience and communication. 

Daniel Rojas and Andrea Rivera

Sophomores Daniel Rojas and Andrea Rivera met in eighth grade, but started their relationship early freshman year, in 2023. During that summer going into freshman year, they got to know each other even more. They both live very close to each other, walking distance, which helped even more. They’d hangout a good amount at the park and the soccer fields close to them. Once school started in the fall, they found they had the same study hall class, which helped grow their relationship into even more. Eventually, a stronger connection started to blossom between them. 

They officially started their relationship on Oct. 3, 2023.  “I guess we just had a lot in common and we clicked very well, and I mean we’ve always been close as friends, so we just clicked,” Rivera said. 

Rojas had similar words to this, stating that they would hang out more often going into freshman year after actually meeting each other. “We have a lot in common, and the way we respect each other’s boundaries, a very good way to keep a relationship,” Rojas said. He’s also very supportive of his partner, and always there for Rivera. “He’s the person I go to when I need a conversation whether it is serious or funny,” Rivera said

When she goes over to his house, Rivera spends a lot of time with Rojas’s younger sister. “Our families are really close, and everyone is just good with each other,” Rivera said. They enjoy spending time with each other’s families and that makes their connection grow even stronger.

The pair have found ways to grow together. “We really helped each other become better people in general,” Rivera said. “Not just in the relationship, but all together.” They love each other unequivocally and have discovered the things they cherish most about each other. “He always has supported me,” Rivera said. “He is just awesome.”

Sam Austria and Paxton So

For senior Sam Austria and junior Paxton So,  love grew naturally over time. “We met in the spring of 2023, talked the whole summer, then started dating that fall,” Austria said. The pair spent a lot of time together and over time what was only a friendship grew into so much more. “[We] realized how much we got along,” Austria said.

“Our relationship works because we both communicate with each other,” Austria said. “Overall, we trust each other very much.” Both Austria and So agree that communication and trust are two of the most important ideals to cultivate in a relationship. However, in the right person, you can find both of those and more. Love, partnership, and respect. Austria and So have discovered these in each other.

“[I] have someone that understands [me],” So said. It makes life that much easier when you can share it with someone who cares and will support you. “Nothing feels stressful and we can both be ourselves in the relationship,” So said.  Life is even better when that person feels like your other half. “I have a 2-in-1 boyfriend and best friend to spend time with,” Austria said. They have a connection that allows them to grow together and help each other when they need a shoulder to lay their head on.

When embarking on your own relationship patience is key. “Let things happen naturally and [do] not force anything,” Austria said. “Giving yourself time is essential.” 

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your partner or friends take the time to remember to appreciate those you love. A box of chocolates will usually make anyone smile, and if they’re not the cocoa type, then flowers will do just fine as well. Don’t miss your chance to treasure the one day of the year saved for those you love.