"You've been dating how long?" is a question I get constantly about having dated my high school sweetheart and having been at UNCW with him since 2012. Three and a half years, today, to be exact. I know, it sounds completely crazy, but to be quite honest: I wouldn't have it any other way. There's only one person I would've done college with and that's Brad, my one and only.
Here are the top 10 coolest things about dating your high school sweetheart.
1. They're part of the family.
They've met every family member you could possibly have and memorized the family tree. Your family considers them family and you're a part of theirs. And neither of you ran away.
2. You have more inside jokes than you know what to do with.
They get you even when you don't understand what you're saying yourself. Random things people say instantly invokes laughing fits.
3. You finish each other's -- sandwiches!
More often than not, they know exactly when you need a pick me up CookOut milkshake, Twizzlers, or even just a huge hug. They knew that you really just wanted a giant coloring book for Valentine's Day and when your arms are too tired to carry your craft tackle box back and forth to crafts class, they carry it for you. They will also eat everything you leave on your plate because they're growing and can eat bottomless amounts of food.
4. You can proudly display your prom pictures on your nightstand.
That gorgeous prom dress you rocked? The sunflower corsage he got you? They all sit safely in your room at home where you can see them all the time. The pictures sit proudly in your school apartment because they're completely relevant.
5. You've Netflixed together.
"How I Met Your Mother" was watched in a matter of two weeks straight while "Master Chef Junior" was watched in one weekend, but you can't skip ahead on the episodes or it isn't any fun. And, yes, they'll watch "Say Yes to the Dress" with you, but only five episodes in a row.
6. You have a Ron Stoppable to your Kim Possible.
You go exploring everywhere together. Tackling new stores, restaurants, and beaches like it's your job because you have a built-in partner in crime.
7. They've seen you in all of your phases.
Sweat pants, pajamas, all kinds of crazy outfits, and soaking wet in from the rain: They accept you for who you are no matter what. Even when you try to wear cute shoes that end up cutting up your feet just a little too much and wonder if maybe they were right when they told you they looked painful, but in their eyes you're beautiful no matter what.
8. You love riding in the car together.
You normally hate super long car rides that take hours to get somewhere, but with your high school sweetheart, you've known all of their songs since day one and get to be the DJ.
9. They've always got your back.
Whether it's picking up your slack in Mario Kart or keeping a perpetual smile on your face: they know what to do.
They helped you see that you shouldn't care about what anybody thinks and if anyone has anything mean to say they'll fight right back.
10. You fall in love each and every day.
That crazy high school girl crush feeling? It never goes away.
You look into their handsome eyes and just know that they're the one for you and you're the one for them.
