by Eva Midura, Staff Writer, February 2022

Richard Baker

Q: What is the best advice you could offer to students on highschool relationships? 

A: That most such relationships end before high school does, but some don’t. I met my wife when she was a junior at Concord Academy and I [a] recently graduated senior. Essentially, we were never separated as a couple after that until she died. And, as I am fond of saying to my students when the subject comes up, I am still married – just a quieter phase.

A: What is your perspective on soul mates? 

Q: Occasionally, it works…  if by soul mates you mean two people who seem eternally connected to one another. In my case, it helped that we were both shy people and had little interest in society beyond our relationship. Independence, a much sought-after trait in your generation, was never a concern in my life. I simply wanted the relationship.

Q: What do you think are the most important or valuable qualities in a significant other? 

A: Humor, the ability to share experience, respect, some kind of magical physical attraction, patience, an ability to see the other’s point of view.

Bill Bussey

Q: What is your perspective on soul mates? 

A: With a true soul mate, you’ll realize it almost immediately.

Q: What is the best advice you could offer to students on high school relationships? 

A: Fall in love as often as you can, don’t be afraid, don’t get into anything that you can’t get yourself out of.

Q: What do you think are the most important or valuable qualities in a significant other? 

A: Unconditional love, patience, and resilience. 

Q: What’s the best love advice you’ve been given?

A: In all the healthiest relationships of those who are in love, their partner is always their best friend.