I have lived with my girlfriend for seven months now. In that time, I have learned a lot about her and even more about our relationship. Moving in with someone new can always be difficult, but over time, moving in with my significant other is one of the most rewarding decisions I have made.

1. You argue more

Granted the arguments are more like disagreements. Since I have moved in with my girlfriend, I can count on one hand how many “big” fights we’ve had. Our “arguments” are more about laundry, dishes, garbage, and cleaning.

2. More Cuddles!

I love it! Watching Netflix: cuddles. Napping: cuddles. Sleeping: cuddles. Even if we turn away in our sleep (let’s be honest, it’s not always the most comfortable when you’re trying to sleep) I still always get to cuddle up to the person I love.

3. Adventures

Not just in the traditional sense, although we do travel together a lot. But every day is an adventure. Just going to the grocery store or getting dinner or cooking in the house. When you’re with the person you love, every day is an adventure.

4. You Can’t Fall Asleep Without Them

My girlfriend has basketball practice at 6 a.m. every weekday. I quickly learned, after moving in with her in May, I can’t fall back asleep without her. Sometimes she visits her friends or family, or I do-- obviously our lives don’t completely revolve around each other, and I’ll toss and turn or roll over and realize she isn’t there. I think that’s how you know you really love somebody.

5. There’s A Constant Support System

I play rugby, and my girlfriend only missed two of my games this year. She plays basketball and I’ve spent several weekends either helping with camps she’s working or watching her play. We are each other's’ number one fans. Which is possible even if we weren’t living together. But what is really special is coming home after a bad day and having a shoulder to cry on, or surprise ice cream, or just a listening ear. Some people have that in a friend or a roommate but being able to cuddle up and cry with someone or to celebrate with the one person who lights up your world is one of the best parts of coming home.

6. Surprises!

When my girlfriend and I went to different schools and lived two hours apart, she would order me pizza to get delivered to my dorm or surprise visit me or send flowers. The surprises now are smaller but just as special. It could be me in the bedroom and being called out to the kitchen to find she made me an ice cream sundae or me showing up while she is studying with coffee and a cupcake. Even making the bed or cleaning up the house is a special surprise. It’s the little things you learn to appreciate and make eachother smile.

7. Motivation

We are two athletes living together, but I am not a morning person. My girlfriend has practice early in the morning and somehow she forces my ass out of bed to go to the gym. On the other hand, I am much more school oriented than her, so when she needs a kick in the butt, I’m here too. It’s a really great balance, and having someone who actually cares and isn’t just motivating you because they feel like they have to is a great way to get shit done.

Moving in with someone is stressful. You have to adjust to their style of doing things, their TV shows, their routines. But, moving in with your significant other can solidify your relationship and gives you a loving person to come home to at the end of the day.