For years, I have sat and pondered on why I was so lucky to meet my boyfriend at such a young age. After two days and a water balloon fight, our eighth grade relationship began. For our first date we went thrift shopping and we bought star wars folders for our freshman year of high school. Flash forward six and a half years and we are better than ever.

It sounds cheesy and that's because it was. We were young. We spent our days at the park and our nights having flour fights in the kitchen. It took him four months to kiss me and about six months for him to say 'ily'. Yes the abbreviated version. The full I love you came months after.

Today, we are still the cheesy fun couple. People ask how it is possible that we are still dating? We have overcome the speed bumps that come with a high school relationship. We have overcome the distance that comes with college.

1. God plays an important role in our relationship.

We pray together. We go to church together. We read our Bible's together. We hold each other accountable. I understand that everyone does not share our same beliefs, but this is what works best for us!

2. Forgiveness is key.

For years I struggled with forgiveness. I wanted him to go through life without making a mistake, but I wanted him to forgive me when I did wrong. It put a major damper on our relationship and caused a lot of fights, but after time I realized how immature and silly my bitterness was. Now, I know that we are people, and people are going to fail and that's okay. We work through our mistakes together and we work on forgiving one another together. It has made things much easier.

3. He is my best friend.

This sounds so typical, but it is rather necessary. I go to my boyfriend for best friend things. We can be silly together. We can sit in bed all day and eat pizza while watching Christmas movies, even if its March. He understands what I need when I am upset and I know the same. I cook him tomato soup and grilled cheese and he buys me mashed potatoes on sick days.

4. We sacrifice for one another.

My freshman year of college I decided to do the Disney College Program. This meant that I would be moving eighteen hours away and we would be apart for about four months. It was a difficult decision for both of us, but he pushed me to go because he knew how much it meant to me. It was hard on both of us, but the distance helped us realize who we are separate from one another, and it ended up being very beneficial for our relationship.

5. I give him space.

If he wants to sit in front of the TV all day playing video games so be it! If he wants to hang out with his best friend for the night, that's a okay! I need time with my girls, so I know he needs time with his boys.

There are so many more reasons to why our little relationship has worked for so long. These are just five of the most vital reasons for why I think we are still kicking. I pray for many more years of flour fights with my best friend and I hope that these little tips were helpful for your new and blossoming relationship or for one that needs a little boost!