I've been in a committed relationship for over four years, and every time I think about it, I'm baffled that it's been this long. I've seen so many of my friends' relationships come and go during this time. Some of them lasted weeks, and some of them lasted years. Sometimes I wonder what was different about my relationship with my boyfriend that we outlasted many of the same hardships that my friends weren't able to endure. Over the years, I've come up with a few reasons why I think we've been able to make our relationship last.

1. We Tell Each Other Everything

One huge factor in the longevity of our relationship is that we communicate, and we try to do it effectively. If something he's doing bothers me, I tell him about it, and vice versa. When we talk about our issues, we look for solutions instead of letting our feelings take over and starting fights. I firmly believe that communication can make or break most relationships.

2. We Don't Nitpick

Sometimes we have our issues with each other, and that's fine. It's unlikely for two people to spend their lives together without driving each other a little crazy. However, it's important in a relationship to self-reflect, and decide which issues are the most important for you to work together to solve. No relationship is perfect, and it's important to realize that your partner will never be exactly what you want them to be. Although it's still important to communicate, you have to choose the most important issues and focus on fixing those.

3. We're Friends First, Lovers Second

This may be a cliche, but my boyfriend is my best friend in the universe. I find this to be a huge factor in our relationship. We enjoy being around each other even if it doesn't give us butterflies every moment. We can be around other friends without focusing entirely on each other. Long term relationships don't often survive when there is no aspect of friendship, because that friendship keeps you wanting to stay together even after the new-relationship infatuation fades.

4. We're Right For Each Other

Some people work well together, and some don't. I don't believe in soul mates, at least not the theory that says there's one true person out there for everyone. But I do believe that some people are better for each other than others. If I hadn't realized that, I would never have gotten to be in this relationship. Right before I started dating my current boyfriend, I almost got back together with an ex who was absolutely terrible for me, simply because I thought I hadn't done enough to make it work. A relationship lasts when you want to make it work. When you're with the right person, it will work.