When you are still with your high school sweetheart, people automatically have one of two reactions: a loving “Aww, that’s so sweet,” or frank and annoyed “Seriously?!” to which I have the same reaction for each: “Yes.”

This is the easiest reaction to have on my end, because both kinds of people will have a slew of questions to ask after their initial one, be they negative or positive. Most of the conversations I have consist of why I am not married yet, or why I haven’t had 10 children (I’m only 22, people)!

Staying with your high school sweetheart is one of the most rewarding relationships there is. You have gone through everything together, and he or she is the one friend you know you can always count on, no matter what. They know your quirks, and they were there for some of the hardest and best times in your life. It's a rare relationship that only crosses by some people every once in a blue moon. I am lucky to be in a relationship with my high school sweetheart and am also lucky to know a few couples who can say the same.

Some of these couples I know are virtually the same as they were in high school, except now they have babies and are married. Some have changed a lot, both by geographic location and world view. Either way, both types of high school sweethearts understand the special bond you have with your significant other like no other couple in the world can understand it. This leads to great stories, advice and conversations from one set of sweethearts to another.

Being with your high school sweetheart is comparable to having a lifelong best friend. They know all of your deepest fears, can relate to your experience growing up and have seen you grow into the person you are today. One of the coolest things about being with your sweetheart is that when you tell people how many years you have been dating, they are always amazed at the level of commitment someone your age can possess, and at times, you amaze yourself, too. If you're lucky, your parents love this person too and have even accepted them as one of their own at holidays and family events.

While not everyone can or should stay with their high school sweethearts, I am thankful to be able to experience life alongside a hard-working, compassionate and patient human being who I am lucky enough to call my best friend and sweetheart.