Psst. Happy Birthday, J-dawg!

That's my boyfriend's lame nickname. I call him that because I'm a dork. I call him that because he's a dork.

I call him that because he is my number one, my best friend. And that, ladies and gents, is so important.

I've heard too many tales of relationships that were wrong on so many levels. BUT one common reason seems to be:

People tend not to get into relationships with people that they like. They get into relationships with people that they think they love or could love, people that they are only physically attracted to, people who seem ideal.

Do yourself a favor and find someone that you deserve, someone who surprises you, someone that you come to know as ideal. Not because they're super cute or cool (those are great bonuses), but because it feels right. Use your heart, but use your brain too. You owe it to yourself.

Remember elementary school? "I don't 'like like' them, I just like them."

When you're older, both should be true. Make sure that the person you're with is someone that you like. Make sure that they're someone you enjoy spending time with. Especially if you're dating with marriage in mind for the future. Marriage means you want to spend the rest of your life with someone. Make that someone your best friend.

Not sure about what it feels like?

When you're with your best friend, you sometimes feel like a child (during good times and bad because... it happens). The fun part here, however, is no matter when they entered your life, it feels like you've known one another since childhood. One of my favorite qualities of young children is that they're themselves with nearly every person they meet. I would say something like "practice this religiously," but honestly this should just happen...so let it. Be yourself with your potential life-long partner because it would be completely bizarre not to be.

Some would say that adults need to act like adults one hundred percent of the time. I say we're human. I say that teasing and laughing and bickering and being consumed by "butterflies" is healthy. Make sure those butterflies never go away, and if you want to act like goofballs until you're eighty, do it. Embrace it.

If you don't enjoy spending time with your partner, I foresee an unfulfilling relationship, and, frankly, foolery altogether. It just doesn't make sense. When you're dating your best friend, you'll enjoy nearly every moment together (because we all have our days). In fact, you'll find yourself enjoying their company no matter where you are. Just being near one another provides you with comfort. Savor each moment.

When you're dating your best friend, you won't be able to imagine yourself with anyone else. Sure, there are so many fish in the sea, but not one of those other fish has the ability to make you feel quite the same. Best friends make you feel comfortable, protected, appreciated, and liked. One of the most flattering compliments is when someone truly likes you, your company, your demeanor, your aura, your everything.

AND when you're dating your best friend, you won't be able to imagine your life without them. Period. As a boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, you name it. Sounds cliche, but this is quote is often thrown around aimlessly.They complete you like a puzzle. They boost you up, but knock you down when you need it. They change with you, grow with you, and remain the same with you altogether. They're your "ride or die" (whatever that means), and the one you "love to the moon and back".

Find someone you like. Date someone you like.

Date your best friend. It's pretty awesome.

Enough mush for one sitting.

xx.

-S