They say you should marry your best friend, but that is not as easy as it sounds. Giving your best friend the chance to fall in love with you is a risk most people don't want to take. You don't want to lose their friendship or make things awkward if things don't work out. However, dating your best friend is certainly worth the risk. I met my best friend in kindergarten, and though we've had our ups and downs, I'm glad I eventually gave him a chance. Whether you've known your significant other forever or for a couple months, you should be able to consider them your best friend. By putting your friendship first and relationship second, I can guarantee you will grow, not only as a couple but as a person. I firmly believe that my boyfriend has helped me become a better person, and that's something everyone needs to find.

Despite the mood swings and bad days, he's always there to pick me up even if he's having a bad day, even if it's just by greeting me with a smile. This can teach you a lot. If he can put his problems aside and help others, why can't I? I am very fortunate, and many people carry burdens I can't see. So I have learned to always smile at people and be polite. It seems easy to do, but when you're having a rough day, it can be very difficult. It's helped me be more caring toward other people.

He goes out of his way to help people. If he can wait to do what he was going to do to help his mom put groceries away or to mow the lawn despite his long day, I shouldn't have a problem with it either. I can clean the house when my parents are out or surprise a friend. It brings so much joy to them, and happiness is definitely contagious. He has taught me that helpfulness can go a long ways.

He's helped me learn and grow, as an individual and in our relationship. Whether you've known them for a couple months or all of your life, your significant other should be someone who will help you become a better person in all of your relationships. Too often, people solely focus on one relationship and push the others to the side. Dating is about bringing that person into your other relationships, and they should bring out the best in you. I hope everyone can find someone who makes them happy and better in every way possible.