Navigating the world of relationships is one of the most difficult things we do in our lives. Your life, decisions, and future are all now connected with someone else’s, and that makes an already complicated life even more complicated to maneuver. Ultimately there is no right way to go about a relationship, there is no road map, or strategy. There is only trial and error. We have to then hope that we’ve somehow chosen the right path. What makes the human race special is our diversity, but what makes relationship a maze, is also our diversity. I think I have learned through my mistakes, but a lot of the lessons I’ve learned are things that are easier said than done. That being said, here are twelve of the most important things I have learned from not only my relationships, but also those around me:

1) Be with someone who you can be yourself with

You should never be afraid to be open and completely yourself with the person you are with. If they cannot handle your quirky side, they should not be privileged enough to be around any part of you.

2) Make sure they can make you laugh

Laughter makes people happier as it is. The person who makes you the happiest should also be someone that can always put a smile on your face

3) Do not settle or forfeit what you deserve

It is so to settle, trust me, I know. I’ve watched too many people I love get into relationships fully knowing they deserved better. All of those relationships have ended in flames. Do not let yourself get hurt because you’ve let yourself fall for something less than the best.

4) Trust the person you love, and expect trust in return

As important as it is to trust the person you're with, it is equally important for them to trust you. Relationships are a two way street.

5) Talk to each other about the hard stuff

Tell your significant other about the important things in life. Just because you may not want to talk about things, do not shut down. Do not leave the person you love in the dark.

6) If someone makes a decision that is right for them, but that decision is not right for you, do not be afraid to make the decision that is right for you

Sometimes you have to look out for your heart and yourself. There is nothing wrong with that.

7) Do not regret loving someone

This one is pretty self-explanatory. To love is one of the greatest abilities we have as humans, never ever regret it.

8) Just because someone seems perfect, does not mean they are perfect

When you love someone, they become perfect in your eyes. Sometimes, they really are perfect in almost every way. They are exactly what you’ve ever wanted, but sometimes there is just that one thing that can be the big flashing neon sign. Try not to ignore it.

9) Cherish every happy moment and do not let yourself lose time together

Long distance and college has made me appreciate the presence of the person I'm with so much more. You start to realize how much you need someone in your life when you can no longer see them whenever you want. All you can really do is hope that the person you love wants to see you, and cherishes moments with you in the same way.

10) Some relationships are temporary, in fact, most are

This includes friendships.

11) A broken heart may not always be because of the loss of a person, but rather a loss of all your dreams and future with that person

12) “Love Never Faileth” 1 Corinthians 13:8

If it fails, it was never meant to be. Love can never fail. If it does, it is just God's way of telling you that there is something better out there waiting for you.