Relationships can be very difficult to maintain, especially during the 20 to 27-age range. Some fear commitment while others can sometimes be a little too overbearing and get clingy. Very few of these relationships will be forever lasting.

For twenty something years, we have all been in a long -term relationship with something very special. Something that loves us and will nurture us unconditionally. Food.

Here is a list of reasons of why being in a relationship with food is better than with a boyfriend/girlfriend.

1. Motivation to workout

Remember that bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions and the ice cream sundae you just had? You probably do because right now, you feel as if your pants shrunk two sizes and your tummy is spilling over your jeans. Because of this, you’re already laying out tomorrow morning’s gym outfit and setting your alarm for 7 a.m. for that eight-mile run. You can say thank you to that amazing dinner you just had! All the motivation! #noragrets

2. Comfort for sad times

We can’t all be perfect – didn’t get the grade you wanted on a paper you spent so much time on, got into a fight with a friend, or just got up on the wrong side of the bed. Food is always there to heal that broken heart. It is a reminder that your heart can still be filled with joy.

3. Warmth

As the days get shorter and the temperature becomes cooler, it symbolizes a time of change in season – winter. During this time, many find themselves looking at the food cabinet, realizing they have no snacks. Naturally, the next best option is one of the ten boxes of pasta your mother bought from Costco. This pattern continues on because who doesn’t like having warm food on a chilly day?

4. Study Time

After hours on end of residing in the library, there is a moment when a loud growl takes over the whole room, causing all eyes to be on you. This is that very moment when the stomach says, “Feed me or you're nothing!”

5.Satisfy the hangry syndrome

We’ve ALL been there – the day has consisted of lecture after lecture, followed by group projects and extra curricular activities. During these events, a burst of impatience releases and not so kind words come out of your mouth. It’s official – the hanger has come: a cross between hungry and anger. Food will calm the stomach and lets it know that they haven’t forgotten about the tum.

6. Entertainment purposes

We get BORED. Homework is finished (or avoided), the Instagram feed does not have anything new, and chores around the house are completed. Whatever the situation may be, food is always there to provide entertainment. Why not find a recipe online and cook? Or check out the food pantry hoping that there’s still that bag of chips left over from football Sunday? Nevertheless, that snack will never disappoint you.

7. Ability to come and leave

Food cannot control you; only you can control how much time you spend with it. No one ever said the family sized bag of lays chips had to disappear in a day. However, no one ever said that the chips had to remain in the cupboard. Either way, it is a fair game and snacks can be optional.

8. Close in proximity

Instead of waiting for your significant other to come over (which may take about twenty minutes depending on their timeliness), if grocery shopping was a recent activity, there is a good chance that food is in the room next door. The only exception to waiting is if there is a decision to be adventurous and cook something new.

9. Comes in a variety of colors

There’s more to just having tan, black, white and other various skin tones. Rather than just having one, why not have multiple? Broccoli holds a rich green color and it is paired very well with red skinned potatoes and a nice dark juicy steak topped off with some A1 sauce. There’s absolutely no reason to have only one – this is an open relationship.

10. To sooth before bedtime

Cookies before bed? Sure, why not. Although it is not very good to have any sweets right before tucking in, it surely is tasty. Another great part is having the satisfaction of that savory treat right before brushing your teeth instead of that mixture of wintergreen toothpaste and macaroni and cheese. Gross!

11. Gives sass on the rare occasion

Although food cannot literally speak, it has ways of communicating with the body. Unfortunately after having a loaded baked potato, it is probable that someone may feel a little bloated and maybe have a stomachache. If this is not a food that is normally eaten, then it may talk back to you, but don’t let it stop you from enjoying its company.

12. Keeps noise to a minimal while watching TV/movies

Unless it crunches as you eat it, there are no worries for outside commentary of the program. One of my personal pet peeves is when people decide to talk throughout the whole show asking questions making it so I couldn’t focus on watching.