Congratulations to everyone who has been with their partner for a long time. It's truly a beautiful and satisfactory feeling to have that constant support and love there. It's like having a best friend but with extra perks.
1. You don't feel pressured to look as good.
I have taken this very seriously. When I first started to date my boyfriend, there was no way he could see me without my make up or hair done. I always had to look presentable because I was trying to impress him. Now... it's totally different. It's often, if not always, that he will see me how I look around campus. Again, that doesn't mean that I don't want to look good for him from time to time, but I don't put pressure on myself to look ravishing at every moment.
2. You easily understand one another.
This is probably one of my favorite parts of being in a relationship. It is simple and natural for me to be able to know what my boyfriend is thinking or how he feels about something. A simple facial expression or pause can indicate an emotion or thought that other people wouldn't pick up on. I know what he likes, who he is, and his values. He knows the same for me and there's no confusion. There's a balance and it feels natural to both of you.
3. It is easy to enjoy each other's company rather than doing things.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't to say that it's cool to just stop going out and doing fun things. You should always try to find ways to have fun with your partner and keep the love alive. I'm saying that it's easier to simply sit in silence and just be around each other than before. You both know that there doesn't have to be something new every single time you see each other. It's comforting and it brings you closer together.
4. Conversation doesn't feel forced.
When you have a real connection with someone, the conversations between you both won't be exhausting or boring. This can be true for people that have been dating less time or aren't dating at all but after dating for so long, it's nice to know that you can rely on an easy going conversation. I never get bored, never have to think about keeping the conversation going, or having to censor myself. We are freely ourselves and never run out of conversation. After one year, there's really next to no topic you haven't touched but there´s still that excitement to speak to that person.
5. The love changes.
Many people believe that love is the butterflies you feel in your stomach when you're talking to that person. That's not true. I think love is a little bit of that but mostly understanding, trust, and the determination to put effort and time into a person. The love you feel for that individual changes because it feels more mature, it's less about that passion (although it's still there) and more about the patience and work you put into becoming a strong couple. Anyone who has been with their partner for awhile can confirm that the love is different and it feels amazing,
I'm sure there were many things I failed to include or some things that you have experienced before celebrating your one-year, but every relationship is unique and wonderful. Make the best out of your relationship. I wish happiness on your relationships.
