As anyone who has ever watched a Hollywood production would know, rom-coms are guilty of portraying women (writ large) as forever being in pursuit of a man. And while nearly everyone, regardless of their gender, has craved romantic companionship, at one point or the other – it's evident that when you get it, it's never like what the movies would have you believe. As many women quickly discover, boyfriends don't just shower you with compliments and buy you flowers, in between all of those romantic gestures, they find ample ways to irritate us. Whether they refuse to put the toilet seat down (yes, we're still going on about it in 2017), or act a little too bro-ish in front of their friends, you can't have a boyfriend and not get frustrated by them occasionally. So here are 7 of the most common ways in which boyfriends have irritated their girlfriends.

1. They don't apologise for being gross

Sure, from time to time it's ok for boys to let rip, but while we women can excuse the odd fart or burp, it's quite another matter when they do it all the time and refuse to apologise for it, too.

2. They act up in front of their mates 

Obviously your boyfriend won't act exactly the same around his friends as he does when it's just you two, but still, does he really need to show off and act so overly alpha? Sorry, of course we want you to have fun, just don't act like a d**k, okay?

3. They leave hairs everywhere

Beard hairs all over the bathroom sink. Need I say more.

4. They hog the bathroom

I know girls cop a lot of flack for spending ages getting ready, but boys really take a long time when it comes to doing number twos especially. And do you really need to take your phone in there?

5. Being completely dumbfounded when it comes to the simplest of domestic tasks

Come on, turning the washing machine on just isn't that hard. Use some common sense and if all else fails – Google is your friend. It's not like we're born with built-in manuals for how to use every kind of domestic appliance either. 

6. Leaving socks everywhere

Stuffed down the couch, fallen down the end of the bed, or just strewn around the floor. As fun as the sock Easter hunt is, we'd really appreciate it if you played a different game like "sock basketball into the washing basket".

7. Not paying attention

Like changing the channel when you're clearly both watching TV, completely ignoring you for hours when he's playing video games, or picking up his phone to text a friend right in the middle of something you were telling him at dinner. Like, come on dude, I'm right here. I appreciate the need for alone time, but that's just plain rude.

But worst of all, it's that he's actually a really decent bloke which makes you forget about all the annoying stuff he does in the bigger picture. Damn you for being so adorable. And if you can deal with accepting your man for all he is – farts and all – why not check out these 8 other signs that show he might be the one you should marry.

While there can be little doubt that males have it easier than their female counterparts in general life, there are still some added pressures that come with being a man. You are expected to look after those around you while also looking after yourself and staying "strong". Arguably this model of the man is more prominent in relationships than anywhere else. Despite gender roles in society changing drastically over the last few decades, there is still an undoubted expectation for men to foot the bill at the end of a meal, to open doors to people and just generally remain chivalrous. While some men struggle in this role, others prosper. The men below are absolutely smashing the boyfriend game out of the park and putting the rest of us to shame. Take a look at the below and be prepared to step up your romance game.

1. Netflix and Chill has just got a whole new meaning

2. He will always be with her, wherever he serves

3. Life goals = bacon roses

4. Crafted with love

5. This guy made an engagement ring with a quarter from the year his fiancé was born.. show off

6. Hand-crafted Harry Potter books? Urm, yes please

7. The perfect hangover spot

8. The sweetest remedy for the sighs

9. WELL, THIS IS THE GREATEST GIFT EVER, ISN'T IT?

10. Yeah, but how much do I weigh though?

11. "I lov UE"? Joking, what a lovely thing to wake up to.

12. Nice shelf! But shouldn't there be some water in that bath?

13. 7,000 post-it notes later...

14. And this guy, who is representing for the rest of us!

If you ever feel like you are underachieving in your relationship, you are. Buck up your ideas and think of a creative way to show your loved one how much you cherish them. Or, y'know, you could make them a mutilated pug cake... that should work as well.

When in a relationship, you're expected to be so involved in your significant other's day-to-day that you know each mundane detail as well as every closely-guarded secret. However, there are a few sordid details that we refrain from telling our dearly beloved, and the majority of those tend to revolve around our bodily fluids... Certainly, when in the honeymoon phase of a relationship, the majority of us are self-conscious about about nearly everything. In fact, some women even choose to wake up in the early hours of the morning to re-apply their makeup and brush their teeth, lest their beau wake up to morning breath and/or smeared mascara. And whilst we can agree that that kind of behaviour is above and beyond, the majority of us are unanimous in the conviction that we don't need to disclose our bowel movements to the object of our affections, at least not for a good 'ol time. But here we are. These are the nine stages of a relationship, as explained by pooping habits.

1. You don't talk about it, at all

When in the throes of romance and passion, is there any bigger mood-killer than talking about your toilet habits? I don't think so.

2. You both acknowledge that poop exists 

While it's still a tentative idea, you're not scared to talk, per se, about poop. Just as long as it doesn't directly correlate to either of you.

3. You finally realise that the other needs to poop 

The ice is finally broken, and you both have an unspoken understanding of the other's need to visit the bathroom for more than just the occasional pee. It's a big first step.

4. You talk openly about your bowel movements 

Instead of holding on for dear life, or running into public restrooms, you're now able to tell your beloved when you need to take a dump. In fact, you're even able to do it at their home, without feeling any shame. Good on you.

5. You're able to talk to each other whilst pooping 

While this is exclusively reserved for those who have crossed the threshold of long-term relationships, it's a true test of whether or not you're 100 per cent committed to your significant other. I mean, if you're comfortable talking to your partner whilst they're in the middle of doing their business, it must mean that you're super close, right?

6. You poop with the door open 

Now, this is a sign that you have absolutely no barriers, so... well done, I guess?

7. You actively discuss your bowel movements with your significant other 

Once you've broken down every conceivable barrier, you're finally ready to discuss what actually goes on in the bathroom with your partner. In fact, whole conversations can revolve around whether your diet is fibrous enough and god forbid, whether you're constipated or not...

8. You've pooped in each other's childhood homes 

If this isn't already a verified adage, I'm going to make it one: you know you're comfortable with someone when you don't think twice about emptying your bowels in the home that they once shared with their parents.

9. You've pooped out a child 

At some point, talking about your pooping habits just doesn't cut it anymore. You've got to share something real, and that's done by pooping out a child. Now you're truly bound forever.

Well, there you have it. A timeline of your relationship as explained via your pooping habits. Who would have known that your respective bowel movements and how open you are about them could be so telling, eh?

We all love being in love. However, it's also true that regardless of how much you "love" someone, you can still mistreat, disappoint and upset them. Now, whether you choose to blame this on character flaws, a lack of connection, or something else, you can't argue with the fact that when a man is truly, and madly in love with you, he will do his utmost to show you that he cares. While we're all human, and even the most perfect of boyfriends can slip up from time to time, here are seven things that men will only do when they want to keep you theirs forever.

1. He really listens to you

Does your partner remember every mundane detail you've told him about your childhood? Or all the innocuous comments you've made about your co-workers? If so, chances are that when you say anything, he really tunes in - and this is a surefire way to know that he's head over heels for you.

2. He makes sacrifices for you 

Whether this is moving to be near you or ditching the footie for date night, when your man consciously prioritises you in such a manner, it's a true testament to his love.

3. He's protective over you 

While being overly protective and jealous are decided red-flags, if your significant other shows an interest in keeping you out of harm's way and always makes sure to check in to see whether you've got home safe, you've found yourself a keeper.

4. He makes an effort with your family and friends 

When your boyfriend really tries to engage with your nearest and dearest, it shows that he's keen to make a good impression, because your future together is beyond important to him.

5. He's not afraid to get emotional with you 

Although this is steadily improving, a significant amount of men are still cautious of showing their partner's their vulnerable side, as they fear it will make them appear less conventionally "manly". So if you have a boyfriend who is able to share his emotional side, it demonstrates that he's truly comfortable around you.

6. He doesn't want you to change

If your partner makes it clear that he loves you just the way you are, and reminds you of the fact frequently, he's making it pretty clear that you are the one he wants.

7. He doesn't like being apart for too long

When a man is madly in love with his significant other, he hates the thought of separation. He's probably just got so used to having you around at all times, and doing adorable, couple-y stuff together, that it feels like something is missing when you're not there.

Well, there you have it. These seven things are sure-fire indicators that your man is in it for the long run. Don't have all of them? Don't fret, your gut should tell you whether your partner is a keeper, or not.

[caption id="attachment_4579" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @Thatguy9211[/caption] Ah, dating. That nightmarish experience where we try as hard as possible to hide who we really are from someone in the hopes of coming across really cool and not seeming like a goofy idiot. Then one day you meet someone who, right from the off, makes you feel able to indulge in all your worst, stupidest, goofiest habits right from the off, even if it means staging ridiculous pranks that would annoy most people. The best relationships start when you've finally found someone with the same sense of humor as you, who accepts you even when you're at your stupidest. These 30 boyfriends have staged ridiculous stunts that, yes, could be seen as irritating or attention-seeking or just plain dumb from a certain light, but also show that these must be some really fun relationships to be in! [post_page_title]#1 This Bit Of Misdirected DIY[/post_page_title] The girlfriend who took this picture was very excited at first because her boyfriend had said he was going to make a bed frame. She naturally assumed it was so they could sleep together in a handmade bed. [caption id="attachment_4580" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @julcarls[/caption] Turns out he just wanted the cat to have somewhere nice to lie down. [post_page_title]#2 This Big Night In With The Dog[/post_page_title] This guy was left looking after the dog for the weekend and told to send his girlfriend updates on how it was going. This was the first picture he sent. [caption id="attachment_4581" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @eric72goblue[/caption] I sure hope he allowed for at least an afternoon to tidy up before she got back. It looks like it was one hell of a party. [post_page_title]#3 This Guy Photobombing His Own Wedding Photo[/post_page_title] Wedding photos can be very formal, serious things, and that's understandable - a lot of money and planning goes into weddings, and you want the photos to be just right. This guy isn't bothered and has decided to just be himself. [caption id="attachment_4582" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @Thatguy9211[/caption] Personally, I think all wedding photos should have this much silliness in them. I think this is great. [post_page_title]#4 This Unusual Christmas Lights Display[/post_page_title] This guy's wife had been getting upset that their house didn't look very festive and saying they should put some lights up. This is what he decided to install on the front of their house. [caption id="attachment_4583" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @OpticDream[/caption] To be fair, it's hard to get around every single chimney in the world without stopping for a toilet break at some point. [post_page_title]#5 This Inventive Use Of Candles[/post_page_title] This guy obviously put so much time into making a tasty-looking birthday cake that he forgot to check if they had the right candles to mark his girlfriend's 39th birthday. [caption id="attachment_4584" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @Kwantumflux[/caption] His quick-thinking maths is impressive, though, as he manages to find a solution just with what he has to hand. [post_page_title]#6 This Baby's Facial Adornments[/post_page_title] This guy was left in charge of the baby while his wife was away and was asked to send a picture of him to show he was ok. [caption id="attachment_4585" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @damnItIan[/caption] The baby had finally fallen asleep by the time he took the picture, but he wanted to give an impression of what he'd been like up until that point. [post_page_title]#7 This Tinder-Chat Blanket[/post_page_title] This guy has come up with one of the most over-the-top, and one of the sweetest, anniversary presents ever. To celebrate one year of marriage to his wife, he gets their first-ever conversation on Tinder printed onto a big blanket. [caption id="attachment_4586" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @TeenageTeenwolf[/caption] There's just hope there's nothing too X-rated in there that any guests or visiting family members would object to seeing! [post_page_title]#8 This Guy Posing With His Cat[/post_page_title] This guy has such a close bond with his girlfriend's cat that they're able to mimic one another's expressions and do synchronized photoshoots together. [caption id="attachment_4587" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @Arsenicyellow[/caption] I just hope he's also this emotionally tuned-in to his girlfriend herself and not just to her cat. [post_page_title]#9 This Car Seat Replacement[/post_page_title] This guy had to drive his toddler to the babysitter's house, but he realized too late that his wife had left with the car seat. When she asked how he was going to resolve the problem, he sent her this... [caption id="attachment_4588" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @Big-D_OdoubleG[/caption] And then turned his phone off for 4 hours. I hope she saw the funny side of it! [post_page_title]#10 This Ill-Advised Gag[/post_page_title] This is certainly a well-written gag and one you've got to appreciate once you get over how mean it is. [caption id="attachment_4589" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Twitter @she_oops[/caption] The best relationships are the ones where you know one another well enough to be this mean, I reckon. [post_page_title]#11 This Dog Burial[/post_page_title] This guy decided to take his girlfriend's dog to the beach for some quality time together and even went to the effort of sending her photos of all the fun they were having together. [caption id="attachment_4590" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @AlexanderTheGr347[/caption] My favorite thing about this is how utterly resigned to its fate the poor dog seems to be. [post_page_title]#12 This Failed Family Photo[/post_page_title] This guy was taking a family photo of his wife and daughters and told a naff "Dad Joke" to get them to smile, prompting these expressions... [caption id="attachment_4591" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @Tio76[/caption] Obviously, some of his family appreciate his sense of humor more than others! [post_page_title]#13 This Toast Origami[/post_page_title] When you're sick, the one thing you want is for someone to just kindly go and fetch you what you want. Even better if they do it and incorporate a high-effort, low-return pun into the proceedings too. [caption id="attachment_4592" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @bonjourdebbie[/caption] I'm having trouble working out how those pieces combine to form a whole slice. There are some extra bits unaccounted for, right? Or is it just me? [post_page_title]#14 This List Of Reasons For Crying[/post_page_title] Some people are just very tuned into their emotions, and it doesn't take much to set them off. This guy decided to keep a record of everything that made his girlfriend cry, and it's quite the read. [caption id="attachment_4593" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @TechnicallyRon_[/caption] I'm with her on the videos of dogs thing, to be honest. I'm in bits if I even see a dog. Lovely things. [post_page_title]#15 This Age-Appropriate Game Of Risk[/post_page_title] This guy was left alone with the kids for the first time and was asked by his wife to send a picture of them to show how they were doing. This is what he sent... [caption id="attachment_4594" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @johnsbuffalo[/caption] Looks like all four teams have fairly equal control of the board at the moment, so the babies are doing very well for their first game. [post_page_title]#16 This Guy Trying To Get Out Of Shopping[/post_page_title] Everyone's ended up having to tag along on an unwanted shopping trip at some point, whether with a parent or a partner or whatever. Not everyone has found it so terrible that they've had to resort to outside help to get out of it like this guy, though. [caption id="attachment_4595" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @DudeDad[/caption] I wonder if he got picked up by anyone and hitch-hiked his way out of there? [post_page_title]#17 This Incredible Christmas Outfit[/post_page_title] This guy was told by his wife to dress up for a professional family Christmas photo shoot. I imagine she was thinking of a general smart-casual vibe with perhaps a festive twist. He was thinking of this... [caption id="attachment_4596" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @Darzin[/caption] It's a strong look, but hey, if you can't wear it for a professional Christmas photoshoot, there's literally no time you can ever wear it, so good on him. [post_page_title]#18 This Gender Reveal Cake[/post_page_title] Gender reveal parties are an odd recent fad, but the dad-to-be who went and got this cake made at least seems to understand that they're inherently a bit silly and has certainly gone with that vibe for the message. [caption id="attachment_4597" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @Lemongrass29[/caption] I wonder if there were any more elderly relatives here to celebrate the imminent arrival of their grandchildren who found this less funny than others? [post_page_title]#19 These Herb Puns[/post_page_title] This guy decided to be helpful by labeling some of his wife's herbs. But rather than give in to boring tradition by just labeling them with their names, he's decided to incorporate some excellent puns. [caption id="attachment_4598" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit - Reddit @whit1and[/caption] I'm sure he mint no harm by it. [post_page_title]#20 This Tree Topper[/post_page_title] This guy's fiancee was worried their Christmas tree was a bit too serious and drab and told him to find a more fun, festive tree topper to take the edge off. This is what he came up with. [caption id="attachment_4599" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @katlikeafox[/caption] A total failure, as far as I'm concerned. This bit of King Kong is very dramatic and emotional and not funny or silly at all. What was he thinking? [post_page_title]#21 This Goat-in-the-Bed[/post_page_title] This picture was taken by a woman who was woken by her husband late at night texting her and saying: "Wake up or I'm bringing the goats inside!" She ignored the text and went back to sleep and then was woken by this... [caption id="attachment_4600" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @whitedragonatx[/caption] There must be more context to this story that explains it. They must have had a pet goat in the garden, right? Surely. Or did the husband steal a goat? It's an odd one, this. [post_page_title]#22 This Letter From Santa[/post_page_title] This dad was charged with writing the letter from Santa that the kids would discover on Christmas morning but realized halfway through that there's not much point in him writing anything that specific. [caption id="attachment_4601" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @SirSilksalot[/caption] A fair point well made. [post_page_title]#23 This Sabotaged Anniversary Message[/post_page_title] This guy's wife put the message "We Still Do" on this board to celebrate their 13-year anniversary, and posted a picture of it to Instagram before noticing that he'd added an extra word while she wasn't looking. [caption id="attachment_4602" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @PM_ME_WITH_A_SMILE[/caption] I hope it was a good long time before she noticed and that this picture was out there on Instagram causing maximum mischief before she realized. [post_page_title]#24 These Stockings With Ulterior Motives[/post_page_title] This husband, whose name is Ian, was very insistent that he and his wife's new puppy be given its own stocking on Christmas Day. She thought it was a very sweet idea, until she realized his actual reason for pushing for it. [caption id="attachment_4603" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @alymac95[/caption] I wonder if marrying someone whose name begins with A was simply Stage 1 of his masterplan? [post_page_title]#25 This Burrito Girlfriend[/post_page_title] When their classes were canceled due to arctic weather conditions, this guy decided to make a boring day in a bit more interesting by wrapping his girlfriend up like a burrito and feeding her mozzarella sticks. [caption id="attachment_4604" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @goodlittleguy[/caption] She looks happy, but I do hope she was on-board with all of this, otherwise it'd be a horrific thing to be subjected to. [post_page_title]#26 This Escaped Spider Prank[/post_page_title] This guy played a prank on his arachnophobe wife by leaving this rather unpleasant surprise for her at the end of the day. [caption id="attachment_4605" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit[/caption] Fingers crossed it didn't send her into a total panic. [post_page_title]#27 This Parkinsons Prank[/post_page_title] This guy, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's, managed to find the funny side of his illness by sending out this as his Christmas letter to his friends. [caption id="attachment_4606" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @akiro27[/caption] The little sticker from his wife explaining the joke just makes it extra adorable, I reckon. [post_page_title]#28 This Bug Prank[/post_page_title] This guy's girlfriend had recently had a bug problem in her apartment. One night, when they were drinking together, and she had got quite drunk, he decided to do this while she had gone to the toilet. [caption id="attachment_4607" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @ketchuppacket[/caption] This is one of those real "Could be hilarious or could end the relationship" pranks, so fingers crossed it went well for him! [post_page_title]#29 This Horrific Pie[/post_page_title] This guy was asked by his wife to cut vents in the turkey pie she was baking to let the air circulate through it. This is what he did... [caption id="attachment_4608" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @FillsYourNiche[/caption] It's one of the most horrible things I've ever seen. I feel like someone needs to kill the poor thing to put it out of its misery. [post_page_title]#30 This Photoshoot[/post_page_title] This guy grew a mustache his girlfriend really hated and was told he had to shave it off. He did, but only after saying goodbye to it with a professional photo shoot with his dog. [caption id="attachment_4609" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Credit - Reddit @sapperdanman[/caption] To be fair, in this context the mustache does look pretty good. But it's a fairly specific context, I suppose.