I absolutely love to spend time with my boyfriend. When we’re together, everything seems better. I plan my weekends around his work schedule and I devote at least 30 minutes of my night every single night to talk to him on the phone about his day. We check in with each other before we make big life decisions. I call him when I need advice, even with the smallest things. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is send my boyfriend a good morning text. Then, I get ready and head off to class. After my first class, I call him to check in. Throughout the day, we send texts back and forth, and the day goes on. I like that even though we’re not with each other all the time, we still talk all day long. When we are apart, I feel like something is missing. Does that mean I can’t be self-sufficient or independent, though? No. I am perfectly capable of doing everything on my own. I would much rather share most things with him, though, and I am not ashamed of that.

I am not ashamed that I look forward to hearing from my boyfriend all day. I don’t even leave to go somewhere without sending him a quick text first. When you dedicate so much to one person, you care about what they’re doing, how their day is going, and what they’re up to. I don’t rely on him to do everything for me, but I rely on him to always be there for me. There’s a difference between being too dependent on someone, and just enjoying their companionship and support.

I often hear girls talking about how they “don’t need a man” and they “can take care of themselves.” I don’t take offense to that. I am happy for them! I would be okay without someone too! I “take care of myself” every single day. I don’t just “need a man.” I’m not just looking for someone to do things for me and save me like a damsel in distress. However, I have found my perfect other half. We are equals, who do things for each other and support each other through and through. I am lucky to have someone that cares for me as much as I care for him. I don’t want him to “take care of me,” though. I want the two of us to love and support each other as equals, because we are a team.

I will never apologize for being so close to my boyfriend. We work together to create a great life for ourselves and we rely on each other for care and support. There is nothing wrong with that. I am perfectly capable of being on my own, but I’m lucky enough to have someone to share everything with. Are there some things we do on our own? Of course! Are things always better when we’re together, though? Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with that.