What People Misunderstand About Being in a Relationship

1. When You See a Bug

When there’s an uninvited spider in your room, you might suddenly decide that you never really wanted to live there anyway. You could kill it if you really had to, but no one wants to approach those big creepy-crawlies up close. One of the best times to be in a relationship is when you need immediate help in the bug department. You can consult resources like the National Pest Management Association for prevention tips, but for instant action, you don’t have to go through the trouble of crushing it or capturing it and releasing it outside, because your partner will gladly do the dirty work for you.

2. When You’re Cold

There’s no need to check the weather before you step outside. If you want to wear a tank top in winter, go right ahead. If you want to wear your bathing suit in the snow, it’s completely okay. Checking forecasts from the National Weather Service is smart, but if you didn’t wear enough layers, your partner will happily offer their jacket to you. You never have to worry about shivering or being caught in the cold again, especially when compared to getting help with unwanted bugs around the house.

3. When You’re Poor

If you’re running low on cash before payday, you can tell your partner you want to go out for a cozy dinner, just the two of you. When the bill comes, they’ll offer to pay or split it generously. While managing your personal budget with guidance from NerdWallet is great for long-term goals, you won’t have to worry about starving when money is tight, because you can order a great dinner without paying a cent. It’s one of the sweetest perks of being in a relationship.

4. When You’re Tired

It’s scary to fall asleep on a late-night train or bus commute, but if you’re with your partner, you have nothing to worry about. According to insights from the Sleep Foundation, feeling safe significantly improves restfulness. Your partner will protect you from any sort of danger or missing your stop. Plus, they double as the perfect pillow. Rest your head on their shoulder, and you’ll be able to fall asleep comfortably anywhere.

5. When You Want Friends

Entering a relationship instantly provides you with a whole new group of friends... or at least potential new buddies. Your partner’s inner circle quickly becomes your extended social circle. You may not hang out on a weekly basis, but you’re sure to see them often at gatherings, birthdays, and weekend hangouts.

Some quick perks of expanding your social circle include:

If you all get along, then there you go—a whole new crew ready to hang out.

6. When You’re Confused

If you don’t understand an inside joke, a reference, or a punchline, it can feel embarrassing to ask a group of acquaintances what it means. Fortunately, your partner isn't allowed to judge you. If you’re lost during a conversation or can’t figure out what a comedian is trying to say, ask away without hesitation. Your partner is like your personal search engine, much like sharing dinner expenses when you need a hand.

7. When You Want New Clothes

Now, your partner might not have a closet full of the latest high-fashion trends, but they’ll almost certainly be willing to share what they do have with you. If you need a comfy oversized hoodie on a chilly evening, just ask to borrow theirs. You don’t have to tell them your true underlying motivation. Lie and say you want to wear it so you can smell their scent when you’re miles apart. In reality, you just want to effortlessly expand your loungewear wardrobe, much like borrowing a warm coat when the weather turns cold, but they don’t need to know that.

Being in a relationship is awesome, for far more reasons than you'd think. Are you currently dating someone? What’s the greatest perk of being with them? Share your thoughts in the comments below!