Different relationships bring different changes to life.
Whether it's gaining a best friend or a boyfriend, everyone needs to adjust to start including this new person into their life. For me, I never expected to get a boyfriend in college, but now that I'm here I've had to make those adjustments and learn what it's like to be in a relationship with someone.
Some of the changes were expected, like having to go out to dinner, but some were a little more subtle.
1. Answering my phone.
Anyone that texts me knows that I am probably one of the worst texters ever. I'm extremely guilty of being one of those "oh I'll read this now but respond in a minute" texters, but then never actually responding because I get too distracted. This habit isn't exactly great when I forget to answer my boyfriend's texts for an hour...
2. Scheduling my week.
Knowing my week ahead of time has actually made me a better planner, but it's been weird trying to schedule in plans with my boyfriend because, well, I've never had to do that before. I obviously enjoy spending time with him or going out to dinner together, but it's just an added step in my week.
3. Not worrying about who my date will be to functions.
Not panicking about who I'm going to ask or whether or not it'll be weird if I get set up is honestly such a relief.
4. Spending money on gifts.
I guess holiday season is cuffing season for a reason, right? Spending money on gifts definitely made a dent to my bank account, but it was worth it.
5. Trying to find the right gift.
Honestly, what do guys even want? A wallet? Cologne? A jersey? I'm horrible in this department and my boyfriend's answer of "Anything will be nice," really doesn't help my indecisive mind.
6. Opening up and actually expressing emotions.
I'm a big fan of putting up an emotional wall and letting no one cross it, even though I know that's not exactly the best practice. But, getting a boyfriend has forced me to (reluctantly) start to open up to someone else and not keep my thoughts trapped in my mind, which has admittedly helped me in the long run.
7. You see different sides of their friends
Now that I'm officially dating my boyfriend, I obviously see his friends more than before. I think they've started accepting me in some sort of way, because hearing their stories and seeing what actually goes on in their friend group is eye-opening in so many weird ways.
8. Creating a balance between friends and boyfriend
Sometimes it's hard to find time to breathe let alone make plans with my best friends and my boyfriend. Finding this balance is harder at some times than others, but both parties understand if I can't be with them for a night.
9. Some things get way more fun when you do them together
Watching a funny movie? Driving around and singing horribly together? Making fun of that other couple that's sitting on the same side of the booth? Much funnier.
10. Watching people's reactions when you tell them you're dating someone
My friends literally thought I was joking when I told them for the first time and started laughing.
11. Having someone to tag in funny memes about psycho girlfriends
I can tag my boyfriend so he can see how lucky he is that I'm sooo much less psycho than everyone else!!! I'd highly recommend.
12. Suddenly remembering that your S.O. doesn't know all of the weird sh*t from your past... like high school.
This is dangerous territory. I thought I was done going through this when my roommate found my embarrassing Facebook pics freshman year, but I guess not.
13. Having big sweatshirts to wear!!
I waited a solid amount of time before breaking the news to my boyfriend that he wasn't getting his sweatshirt back. Even though he still complains, I think he knows I won that battle.
