My boyfriend? A teacher? I could not think of a more fitting job for a person who is full of energy, love, kindness, determination, and intelligence. As Solomon Ortiz said, "education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students" Mr. L is making a difference in the lives of children as he shows them unconditional love, support, and encouragement day in and day out. But, then there is me. What is it like to be dating a teacher? I'm about to tell you.

1. Time alone with the copy machine is more intimate than time alone with me

Just as expected, at 11:45 A.M on the dot, my phone lights up with a FaceTime from Mr. L shoving Belvita cookies in his mouth during his lunch break. After five seconds of talking in between bites, I sense focus wandering. It could only be one thing - an empty copy room. His gazed was filled with such longing, I felt like an intruder and had no choice but to hang up and let him be alone in the copy room. It is safe to say he has never looked at me the way he looked at that unattended copy machine. That is what it’s like to date a teacher!

2. His comebacks are "well you started it" or "I'm telling" and you have to remind him that, he is in fact not in first grade

Whether it is deciding what to eat for dinner or what movie to watch, any disagreement ends with an immature declaration along the lines of “well you started it” or “I said it first” or my favorite “I’m telling”. Who are you telling? My mom? You’re going to call my mom and tell her I wanted chicken for dinner but you wanted steak? I don’t think so. We are mature young adults, not 6 year olds, so let's just settle it once and for all and eat chicken, because I said it first. That is what it’s like to date a teacher!

3. Netflix and chill becomes lesson plans and worksheets

I finally get myself 1,257 miles to Florida and after a lonely, tiring day of traveling there is nothing more I want to do than cuddle up in bed and play a movie on Netflix. The candles are lit, the tv is on, I am wearing my silk pajama set, and … Mr. L whips out his folder labeled “lesson plans”. I thought the silk pajamas would seal the deal. But Netflix and chill just became lesson plans, worksheets, and an anticlimactic movie night for me. That is what it’s like to date a teacher!

4. I found out going to sleep early on a school night doesn't just apply to the students

Since Mr. L is a teacher in Florida, miles away from me, we rely on FaceTime to stay connected. After a long day of class, studying, clinical, and meetings I look forward to cozying up in bed to see his handsome face and catch up. Finally, at 9:30 PM he answers my call and I barely get five words in before he says, “Babe, it’s a school night, I have to get to sleep”. That is what it is like to date a teacher!

5. Checking his hair for lice becomes foreplay

I once slept on the couch for a week after finding a spider in my bedroom. Call me dramatic, but if it crawls, I am terrified. With that being said, what is sexier than picking through my boyfriend’s hair searching for lice? Great way to set the mood for a make out session before bed. That is what it’s like to date a teacher!

6. Dinner reservations have to wait because teachers get homework too

It’s 6:00 P.M and my stomach is making absurd noises shouting to me that I cannot wait another minute to eat. Dinner reservation is in 30 minutes. Will we make it? No, we won’t. Mr. L still has papers to grade and we have to push back our reservation to 7:30. I’m going to starve. This is what it’s like to date a teacher!