A lot of people will say that if you've found the one, you will know.

While this has happened for me, I don't think this is true for everyone because there are certain factors that many people don't pay attention to. Often it's easy to be blinded by appearances or reputations or perceptions, but that is not what love is about. I think people need a reminder for what love can and should be in their lives. It's always about the small things. I know that I have found the one for me, and here's how:

For one, if you read my article on having an open relationship, you would know that my boyfriend and I are semi-long distance. It's easy to notice how excited I get just to hear from him, despite how long we've been together or how often we are in contact. I think it's really important to find someone that can always brighten your day, whether it's in the form of a short text or a long phone call.

This goes hand-in-hand with the fact that distance doesn't change the way you feel about him. I've heard so many stories of love fading because the distance is too much to handle. But when you're with the one, no distance is enough to phase you. Also, it's important to make an effort to take time to reach out during your day or even visit each other.

Another important factor in finding love is that you have to have real, open conversations. You can't be afraid to talk about meaningful things or even your secrets. I trust my boyfriend to keep anything I say to him completely private, despite the presence of his sometimes explicit group chat. (Shout out to you guys, you know who you are.) I know that he won't judge me for anything; he could laugh at me or console me or say nothing at all, but he somehow always knows the right thing to do and I always feel better.

Speaking of conversations, I have no fear in talking about the future; our future. Any fear of commitment or missing out just washes away when you can see sharing an amazing life together. We have similar dreams and are willing to compromise. But this doesn't mean that there won't be fights.

FIghts will always happen with the ones you love as long as you are being honest with them and honest with yourself. I think that fights or arguments are an important part of a relationship; it means that you feel comfortable enough with that person to share your true feelings and know that they won't end the relationship.

Another thing that won't end the relationship: his gross tendencies. A burp or a fart won't freak you out. It might even make you laugh! And honestly, that means you can be comfortable enough to be gross around them too. It won't be the end of the world if you don't shave for a few days.

It can be scary to feel like you've found the one at such a young age. I have people telling me not to get so set on one person this early in my life, especially while at college. The thing is, you can't control the way you feel about someone. In good times and bad, early or late, love is love.