All of us fall into two categories: single or taken. When it comes to being in a relationship, the pros outweigh the cons for an infinite amount of reasons. Here are my top four reasons on why being in a relationship is the best.

First off, you always have someone who will be there for you. This doesn’t mean  your significant other will constantly follow you around like a lost puppy, but rather you have someone there for emotional support. I wouldn’t say I’m dramatic, but on the days the world seems to be ending, having someone to spill a week’s worth of stress to can be quite comforting.

Another benefit of being in a relationship is that it can boost your self-esteem. When you peel back the fifty layers you’ve been hiding behind, it can be relieving to let it all out with no fear of judgement. Whether we admit it or not, we all struggle with parts of ourselves we don’t like. I’ve found that being in a relationship is amazing because my boyfriend constantly reminds me I am sweet and sassy, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He sees the beauty in all my flaws and finds the positive in all of the negative.

My third reason relationships are great is  they’re full of surprises. From the notes left in my car, to the roses and gifts I find in my room, my relationship never fails to make me smile. With three words, in two seconds, on one paper, I’ll be left with a smile that’ll last a lifetime. I understand the majority of  us find ourselves scrambling for five dollars when we can’t ignore our craving for Parlor City’s ice cream, but it’s not about the costly surprises or gifts. It’s about the thought that went into doing a little something extra to make someone you love smile.

Lastly, I love being in a relationship because I learn a lot about myself. I have learned about my previously overlooked pet peeves and that I twitch in my sleep. I have learned I look away when I’m frustrated or nervous and I value my friends more than they know. My significant other points out little things I haven’t noticed before, but they begin to seem so obvious and clear. Being in a relationship helps a person grow.

With all that being said, some will continue to see the cons of being in a relationship. Some will say it’s just high school and there are better things than wasting money, constantly planning ahead, and having little fights over dumb things, but I see this as untrue. It’s worth the little sacrifices for a greater outcome. If you believe that putting a little more effort in for someone you love is too much work, so be it.

The moral of the story is that with bad comes good, and I truly believe that a little bit of sacrifice is worth a lifetime of happiness.

Jenni Jengwa 

Backpage Co-Editor