There have always been bad misconceptions and ideas about being in love at a young age. It’s a touchy subject, because everyone has their opinions on it. As for me, I never planned on being in love, especially so early. I liked the idea of it, but only if it was anything like a Disney movie. I never liked the idea of being dependent on someone. In your twenties, you’re "supposed to be" partying, dating, making mistakes, and traveling nonstop. I had big plans set out for myself and falling in love at such a young age wasn’t really a part of it. But everything happens for a reason, and there’s no point in fighting against something that happened so naturally. When you know that you have someone special, it doesn’t matter what age you are because love doesn’t discriminate according to a number. I’m not saying that I have the perfect relationship, but it’s one that makes me happy and I just hope everyone who reads this discovers that too. This article is for anyone who’s in the same boat as I am, or for the ones who are still looking. No matter what your relationship status is, this article is supposed to give you some insight and truth about what being in a young relationship is actually like, according to me.

"THE BAD"

1. The initial rush of dating starts to settle in and your relationship becomes more normal and laid-back.
2. You don’t ever get the urge to go out on the weekends because you really don’t find it necessary anymore.
3. Getting into arguments can ruin your whole day.
4. You want to do almost everything with him so it's sometimes hard to find me time. It takes practice and effort.
5. They make you notice your biggest flaws. A relationship is like a mirror, you see everything in you that you try to hide. Like, I’m not the most patient person, and my boyfriend’s not afraid to call me out on it either.
6. You need to learn how to compromise. With everything. Communicating and talking out different views is annoying, but it’s one of the best things for a relationship.
7. When you go buy groceries, you never just think about yourself anymore, you always have to consider what your partner will want.
8. You have people who doubt you. Some people might hesitate and judge your relationship but their opinions don't matter ... unless it's your mom.
9. You feel too old for your age sometimes when you see your single friends dating and all of that.

"THE GOOD"

1. There is always someone to talk to about anything that’s on your mind
2. You become more open-minded and loving because being in a relationship forces you to practice patience, understanding, and kindness.
3. You take risks and try new things more because you know that he’ll always be your number one fan, no matter what.
4. Being in a relationship makes you more confident in who you are because you know that at the end of the day, he won’t judge you for your decisions.
5. You’ll be called beautiful at least 2–3 times a day and it’s something that’ll NEVER get old.
6. You get free back massages, foot rubs, and head scratches. Enough said.
7. There’s always someone to cuddle or hug whenever you have a crappy day or week.
8. Valentine’s Day isn’t so bad anymore when you know you're guaranteed a cute date night and lots of chocolate.
9. You can look like a complete train wreck in the morning, and he won’t even notice. Then he’ll proceed to call you beautiful.
10. You have a best friend and a boyfriend all in one. Cha Ching.

Love is love. There isn't a timeline for it, and if you happen to find someone who constantly pushes you and supports your dreams, don’t let them go. It doesn’t matter if you're 30 and just fell in love for the first time, or you’re head over heels at 18, when someone makes you happy like no one else, cherish it and let yourself be happy.