As much as we don't want to admit it, relationships require work sometimes. You have to adapt to someone else's lifestyle, consider them in all your important life choices, and learn to accommodate for their wants and needs while satisfying your own.
But - even though we might compromise every now and then - we know that a good relationship is worth working for, and these are the goals we all aim to meet...
1. Lazy days are the best days
During the dating phase, going out and spending money is pretty much expected. But, once you reach that relationship sweet spot, chilling out in front of some crappy movie with an oven-baked pizza is pretty much the best feeling in the world.
2. You don't fret about phone contact
Remember when you first met your partner, and you'd carefully time the intervals between your messages so you wouldn't seem too keen/too relaxed? Yeah, that doesn't matter anymore. You can spam each other with 100 messages a minute, or you can go a whole day without saying much at all. And that's cool.
3. Sex isn't everything
Ok, so sex is pretty great - but you know what else is great? Getting an early night. Napping. Spooning. Staying up late to talk about old memories. Having a movie marathon until 3am. Crashing on the couch after a long day. Falling asleep in a poorly-constructed blanket fort. I could go on.
4. Your friends are their friends
Your best friend will always be your best friend - nobody can take that away from you. But it's so great to see your oldest pal getting along with your partner. They feel comfortable hanging together, can have a laugh without you, and team up to support you when you need it.
5. Arguments aren't the end of the world
Having a fight is never a desirable part of a relationship, but sometimes it's actually healthy. If you don't vent about your partner neglecting the washing up for two days, or leaving the bedroom in a state, how will you ever resolve it? You shouldn't worry about discussing difficult stuff with your other half - and they shouldn't be afraid of bringing up awkward topics with you, either.
6. You talk openly about exes
This definitely isn't something to do on the first date. Or the third. Or the fifth. In fact, I'd give it a few months to get comfortable before fondly recalling a time you and your ex did something. But the reality is, you probably did share parts of your life with someone before, and you shouldn't have to hide them because they happened with someone else.
7. Their friends know you by name
For a little while, you might be known as "this person I'm seeing" or "my date" or "my partner", but true relationship nirvana will be reached when they can introduce you by name, and nobody questions it.
8. You can do your own thing
Everyone has different interests, and the best kinds of relationships allow you to pursue those interests - even if your partner doesn't really feel the same way about it. Sometimes you can both be in the same room, just doing your own thing and appreciating each other's presence.
9. Borrowing something is no big deal
You know that really nice hoodie your other half has? Yeah, that's basically yours now. And you're more than welcome to use all their baggy shirts to sleep in. Of course, they're going to steal your favorite scarf and maybe pinch the odd candy bar. But that's fine.
10. You speak honestly about money
Maybe you guys live together, maybe you're considering it in the future - either way, you need to know what sort of funds you're working with. So if you're left with too much month at the end of the money, you should feel comfortable confiding in your other half.
11. Not everything goes on social media
Have you ever noticed that the couples who post their whole lives on Facebook are usually the ones who have the messiest breakups? Being in a relationship isn't about putting on a facade for everyone else - it's just about being happy with each other. And your Instagram followers don't need to know about every single coffee date for that to happen.
12. You compromise for them
Sometimes it's a little compromise, like not buying a certain laundry detergent, but other times it could be something like not eating as much meat, or putting up with their terrible music taste. But you do it because you love them, and that gives you more satisfaction than eating burgers five times a week.
13. Picking a meal is easy
Gone are the days of back-and-forthing about "what/where shall we eat tonight?" and here are the times of: "I made mac and cheese, enjoy!" And it's glorious.
14. You know exactly what to get them for Christmas
After a while of being together, you begin to understand your partner almost as well as you know yourself, and so finding the perfect gift for them is as easy as picking something out for yourself. Treating them is actually more fun than getting something just for you, though, so it's a win-win for everyone.
15. Sleeping in the same bed is the norm
And you couldn't imagine a night without them.
If you can tick off all 15 of these, you've clearly got a good thing going with your significant other. And if not - here's something to aim for.
