10 Things You Should Be Able To Do With Your Boyfriend

When we get into a new relationship, we’re eager to tick off all the milestones that somehow prove we’re a strong couple. Three-month anniversaries, saying “I love you” for the first time, and being introduced to their friends all rank high on the list. However, there are some things that probably haven’t sprung to mind that prove your relationship has staying power. If you can do these 10 things with your boyfriend, you’ve got a pretty good shot at true love.

1. Not wear makeup in front of him At the start of a relationship, it’s natural to want to look your best at all times. Once you’ve been seeing someone for a month or so, though, you should feel able to reveal your actual face to them. A guy worth sticking around for will think you’re beautiful with or without makeup.
2. Order a box of 20 McNuggets and eat them alone in one sitting I’ll let you in on a secret. I like my food. For me, the idea of dating someone that I couldn’t pig out in front of is a nightmare. At the start of a relationship, I tend to play this side of my personality down slightly, but if it’s going to work long-term, I need to be able to eat what I want when I want without worrying about being shamed by my BF. So should you.
3. Confess that you’re not into something they like Relationships are about finding common ground and sharing your interests together. That doesn’t mean that you have to have exactly the same interests as your BF, though. Of course, there will be things that he loves that you struggle to care about (I’ll just be painting my nails while you watch football) and vice versa. Being able to tell your BF when you’re just not into something means you’re able to be honest with each other and lead independent lives.
4. Text him 10 times in a row The double text has gained a reputation as the big faux pas of the dating world, but you shouldn’t have to worry about this sort of thing with your BF. Sure, while you’re dating, you don’t want to come off as super needy, but once you’re in a relationship, there’s a place for the double text. What if you’ve already sent a reply to his text but then you suddenly need a question answering? Or if you’re just filling him in on your day and want to share an extra funny story? Or maybe you are really pissed off with him and want to let it all out. If you and your BF are serious about each other, double, triple or quadruple texting doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker.
5. Wear your period underwear You know the ones—those sensible, grey granny panties that get rolled out once a month because they’re the most comfortable thing you own. We all want to look hot as hell in our underwear, but there’s also a time and place for slobbing out in your cosy PJs and knowing your guy won’t bat an eyelid. Periods happen, days when you have zero libido happen, and in a lasting relationship, that’s absolutely fine.
6. Talk about the future I’m not saying start discussing the venue for your wedding, but it’s important to be able to have open conversations about the future with your man. Maybe it’s thinking about when you might move in together or planning something to do together a little further down the line, but you want to be able to talk seriously without worrying about scaring anyone away.
7. Argue I’ve always hated confrontation and was petrified of starting arguments in case my BF would see me as more trouble than I was worth. Sometimes an argument needs to happen though, and bottling things up inside will only make it worse. Being able to have an adult argument about something without making things personal and coming to a resolution at the end is a sign that your relationship can weather storms and gives you more of a chance of lasting long-term.
8. Not speak for a few days While I’m a total advocate of the triple text, I also believe that it’s important to be able to go a few days with no contact from your significant other. Not that it should be okay for him to totally blank you, but if one of you is off on a friends’ holiday, or the other has an important week ahead with work, an agreed time apart can help both of you be a better partner. Being secure enough in your relationship to accept that you won’t always be in contact can be tough, but it shows you trust each other enough to let him lead a separate life from time to time.
9. Bitch without looking like a bitch We all have bad days when someone rubs us up completely the wrong way. It’s important to be able to let off steam to your partner without worrying that they’ll think you’re a total bitch. Admittedly, it’s not nice to moan about others all the time, but getting it off your chest with someone you love saves you becoming a monster in the workplace. A guy that recognizes this is one worth keeping.
10. Make plans with the in-laws Meeting the in-laws is an almost inevitable part of being in a relationship. If you can get on with them and even start to enjoy spending time with them, your relationship is far more likely to last. Showing that you’re serious enough about each other to get to know each other’s families shows how much you care about that person.