I love being in a relationship for a million different reasons. After a period in my life where it seemed like nothing was going right, and the guys I was dating were just one wrong choice after the other, I thought I'd be doomed to be single again. And I was kinda sad about it but I enjoyed the single life, mostly.

Sometimes I find myself missing my single self, being able to go out on different dates, meet new people, have the feeling you get every first date, and knowing that you could do pretty much whatever you want and it does not affect another person. As great as that was and as much as I miss it, I wouldn't trade being in a relationship for it, and here's why.

1. Endless dates.

I don't have to worry that I might not have a date to this year's formal, or that I won't have anyone to go to a party with. I have a permanent date to all dances, family events, and other things that require a plus one.

2. Unconditional love.

Saying I'm a difficult person to deal with is an understatement. I'm moody and sometimes I don't look that great, but even when I'm having the worst time and haven't showered in a day or two, my boyfriend still looks at me like he won the lottery.

3. Someone who's always in my corner, but isn't afraid to fight me.

I'm a very stubborn opinionated person, so it's nice to have someone who will defend me until the end, but also tell me when I'm wrong.

4. Inside jokes.

It seems like my boyfriend and I have endless inside jokes, from saying to be "all the careful but two" and squeezing my hand three times to say I love you, they're all little reminders of the relationship we've developed.

5. Someone to stay up with.

No not in the way most of you are thinking. Sometimes I watch too much Criminal Minds (Derek Morgan yum!) and have trouble falling asleep or my mind is just racing. He stays up with me regardless of what time he works the next day and wakes me up if I have nightmares or just listens to my rant.

6. Someone who always supports me.

Whether it's deciding to write or attempting to help me study for upcoming tests, he's always there to help me whenever I need it regardless of what he's doing.

7. Sports explanations.

I'm awful at knowing rules to sports. I took him to a Royals game for our 6 month anniversary, and he answered all my questions and didn't seem irritated that I didn't understand why that guy got a strike or why that run didn't count.

8. Him.

Knowing that I'm the only one that knows his deepest thoughts and dreams. Knowing that the bald spot under his chin is exactly the size of my thumb (sorry honey!) and that when he finds something really funny his left eye squints and he laughs with his whole body is what I love most. That every day I find something new that I love about him, and something I hadn't noticed before is just exciting for me.

So to all of you people that think being in a couple is the worst possible thing that could happen to you, it's not. It's one of the best things to ever happen to me, I fell in love with my best friend, and I wouldn't trade it for all the first dates and parties in the world.