I started dating my boyfriend, Dylan, the summer going into our senior year of high school, and we’ve been together ever since. I am now going into my junior year of college. Relationships are never easy; they take work. You have to be willing to compromise and take someone else into consideration. However, it’s all worth it in the end so long as the person you’re with loves you for you.

• He knows your food order: Whether it’s at McDonalds, Chick-fil-A, or Olive Garden, he can order your food without having to ask what you want. It’s just one of the many perks when you’re with someone for so long. And although he may not get it right every time, it’s the thought that counts.
• You have some great inside jokes: When you’re around someone almost every day for almost three years, you’re more than likely to have some inside jokes. Something that makes you two break out in laughter that no one else knows about is cute and, in a way, makes you closer.
• He can practically read your mind: And vice versa. With one look, Dylan knows what I’m thinking and how I’m feeling.
• You’re each other’s number one fan: Whatever you do, he’s cheering you on, and with whatever he does, you’re right there cheering him on. I have been to a countless number of Dylan’s softball games, but I love to go to each one and cheer him on. This is just like how he cheers me on before a major exam, then rejoices with me when I do better than planned.
• You always have an ear to chat off: After three years, he knows pretty much when to just listen to me rant or when I want to hear advice and suggestions over an issue. However, most of the time, he puts up a good front of being engaged when I have to vent to him about things even when he could probably care less, which is much appreciated.
• He does the little things to make you happy: When you start a new relationship, much of your focus and thoughts are on them. But when you’re with someone so long, sometimes you fall into a routine and forget about little things. I can’t say how happy it makes me when Dylan brings me flowers without me asking or grabs me a Dr. Pepper on his way to see me just because.
• He knows how to pick you back up: When you feel defeated after a final or are stressing out over your next test, it’s nice to have someone who knows how to make you feel better. After being with someone for so long, you know what things to do to make them feel better, just like you know what buttons to push to annoy them.
• You don’t feel the pressure to look good all the time: When you first start to date, it’s as if you don’t want them to know that you’re a real person, who has frizzy hair and a pimple here or there. However, once you’ve dated for a while, you no longer care if he sees you with no makeup on or with your hair a mess, because even when you think you look your worst he still thinks you look cute.
• You have someone who knows you: At the end of it, you have someone who knows you like the back of their hand. Someone who knows your emotions and how to work with them. Who will support you because they have seen you grow. Who has seen you at your worst, and loves you for you.