Lying upside down on hay bales, Legos for anniversary presents, and watching cartoons together are all things that have happened in my relationship with my boyfriend. He’s endearingly childlike sometimes; he still finds joy in childish things; but he’s also an adult in many ways. He works, he has a four-year degree, and he’s lived on his own. He matches my maturity while still keeping his childlike wonder and curiosity intact. This unique personality keeps me on my toes and has many perks.

1.They Help You Find Your Inner Child

There is nothing more energizing than feeling like you did as a little kid again. As someone who is naturally more task-oriented and serious about things, having someone who can bring out the goofier and immature side out of me is a blessing. It’s also a ton of fun to shamelessly act 8 years old again when you’re with someone.

2.You Realize What You Missed Most About Growing Up

In the hustle and bustle of life, even as a college student, all one can think about are student loans, grades, future careers and all of the scary and nitty- gritty aspects of life. When there is someone around you who can bring out the things you used to find amazing or awe inspiring as a child, it brings back what made you want to explore the world when you were younger. Remembering what made life so wonderful is something wonderful about being with him.

3.They Have a Gift of Relating to Children

While I love children, I have worked with children, and I am pretty sure they don’t hate me, I simply cannot relate to them. There’s something about someone who can truly understand and work with a child. It’s a genuine gift, and brings a sort of empathy to the table I cannot bring, the ability to understand those who we have lost a sense of familiarity to. Also what isn’t cuter than a guy who is great with kids?

4.They Find the Simplest Pleasures

Making an origami swan and naming it Durpee was entertainment for like twenty minutes. Slowing down and speeding up Coldplay songs was almost an entire day of fun for him. He simply finds joy in little and sometimes, silly things. While I usually need something complex and involved, he has shown me what can be fun and interesting about that which is not necessarily fun on the surface. It’s something that’s made me happier and more thankful for things in life.

5.You Have Fun You Can Feel Good About With Them

Cardboard box forts, Nerf Gun wars, old school Pokémon, and writing stories are all future date ideas, and these are all in the same vein of what we already do on a regular basis. We have fun I always feel good about, it’s safe, I won’t regret it, and it’s real fun. I can be myself with him when we do things like this because it’s so relaxed and we are both truly being ourselves. I would take skipping stones at a secret beach over fancy restaurant I feel uncomfortable at any day.

6.They’re Genuine

The best part is they are always being themselves. They don’t feel like they need to ‘adult’ and be something they are not in front of people. They just are, and while sometimes people are confused by the childishness, it’s genuinely them, and an honest and genuine person is the best.

7.You’re Life is a Constant Adventure

It’s hard to find adventure in the mundane parts of life. It’s hard to see what could be fun or interesting when everything seems so decided. However, with a childlike imagination and ability to have fun, life becomes an adventure again. It’s something that’s hard to find at times, and while my life isn’t an adventure because I’m living ‘on the edge’ I’m learning how to be less future oriented through his adventure and exploratory nature. It’s more balanced to have an ability to embrace the adventure of today, while still remembering what tomorrow brings. The best part is, it’s with him.