Every relationship is different. Some relationships are adventurous, bold and dauntless. Others are altruistic, understanding and trustworthy. Some are selfish, unfaithful and conniving. And some are exposed, attached and sappy. In every long relationship, you both become the same person over time. You both mold into this adjective-infested pod of two peas. And because of that, your relationship will either crumble or it will flourish. There comes a certain point during the molding when you can just tell whether or not it will work out.
Over this past year, my boyfriend, Mike, and I have formed our own pod that is perfectly original. We are not as openly affectionate as most couples, and it works out well for us. In fact, we wouldn’t have it any other way. This is not to say we aren’t crazy about each other, we are; we just have discrete ways of showing it. And that’s how we like it. As Forrest Gump would say, “Mikey and me was like peas and carrots.” Here’s a rundown of our non-cheesy pod:
1. We joke too much to talk intimately all day.
Daily conversations between us include making fun of DJ Khalid’s Snapchats, laughing about something funny posted on the F*ckjerry’s Instagram account or discussing how I am more athletic than he is. He’s an NARP—non-athletic, real person.
But yes, we say our ‘good mornings,’ ‘good nights’ and ‘I love you’s,’ if we don’t fall asleep first.
2.We aren't attached at the hip in public.
Because, ew. PDA is neither of our fortes. I like that we can go out to bars together and hang out with our friends without dry heaving over each other’s shoulders.
However, we do go in for a smooch or two on occasion. Provided I’m not wearing red lipstick. Sometimes he gets frisky and smacks me on the butt.
3.We can handle each other's sarcasm.
Like I said, he’s an NARP.
4. We consider any restaurant to be a "romantic date."
We both genuinely enjoy ordering sushi for takeout because we are too lazy to get dressed up and walk out the door—this happens at the very least four times a week. I unequivocally appreciate and savor our romantic dates, but I really luxuriate in $5 D.P. Dough pizza. Especially at 3 a.m.
5 We don't plaster our relationship on social media.
Call us improper millennials, but we don’t have our relationship status posted on Facebook. However, you will be pleased to hear that we are friends on Facebook. So, that’s a start.
6. We don't sweat the small stuff.
It is a simple as that. We understand that people make mistakes and aren’t perfect. If we are ever frustrated with each other, we communicate it before it turns into something messy and unnecessary. Plus I’m always right, and I think he accepts that.
7. We save the cheesy for proud moments.
I mean… I date a man that played D1 soccer, is a crazy intelligent engineer and is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
8. We always appreciate the small things.
Since we aren’t constantly mailing each other roses and unicorns, the small things mean the most. For example, I cried when I opened the gift Mike got me for Christmas. It was an incredible Michael Kors satchel and a one-page, heart-felt, hand-written note. I’m sure you can guess which one made me cry: the satchel, of course. But the note was sob-worthy, for sure.
9. We are genuinely supportive of one another.
Aside from the jokes and the laughs, we can be serious and supportive of one another because we legitimately want each other to succeed. I would go to his soccer games and capstone project proposal as his number one fan. Even though I don’t know the first thing about soccer or material science engineering.
10. We never romanticize our relationship.
We don’t feel the need to exaggerate our emotions to the world in order to feel solidity in our relationship. The love is mutual, and we feel it without announcing it through a megaphone. Although, I do occasionally get the urge to jump up and down on Oprah’s couch and shout my love for him on national television. I fight the feeling, though.
