You usually find things when and where you are least expecting them. For me, I met my boyfriend on a spring break volunteer trip during my freshman year of college, and I definitely did not go on the trip with the intention to meet someone. Once we began dating, I didn’t expect to learn as much as I have learned already in my first real relationship. Sure, I’ve learned some things in the few short-term relationships I had in high school, but those mainly taught me what I wanted and definitely did not want in future relationships. My first real relationship really opened my eyes and has taught me a lot about life, love, and everything in between.

I’ve learned that I need to love myself before I can let someone else love me.

This may seem self-explanatory, but for some, it can be harder than it seems. If I don’t love myself on my good days as well as my bad days, how can I expect someone else to do the same?

I’ve learned to be more open to trying new things and meeting new people.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet my boyfriend’s family and friends, which has allowed me to greatly increase my social circle and meet amazing people. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn new traditions and go on new adventures, which have truly broadened my horizons and even changed my perspectives on some ideas.

I’ve learned better time management skills.

I am faced with the challenge of making time for everything and everyone: my friends, my boyfriend, my family, my school work, my job, my extracurricular activities, the list goes on. In order to give each part of my life the attention it deserves, I’ve had to develop strong time management skills. I don’t want to be the girl who drops everything and everyone when she gets a boyfriend, so I am working to create ample time for everything and everyone.

I’ve learned how to better compromise.

A relationship is all about give and take. You want your significant other to be happy, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own happiness to achieve that. If both halves work at their relationship and put into it what they want to get out of it, they should be very successful.

I’ve learned that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, and that’s okay.

Not everyone sees eye-to-eye all the time, even people who may be “made for each other.” Your significant other might not agree with you on some things and vice versa, and that is perfectly fine. If you and your significant other fight or argue about everything, that might not be the best relationship; however, small disagreements or arguments are okay, and the two of you usually become stronger after reconciling them.

I’ve learned that we bring out the best in each other.

We push each other to do and be the best that we can. We support each other. We want each other to succeed.