Being in a relationship with your significant other isn't all rainbows and gumdrops. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows that, of course, but it's also important to know how the relationship affects you and your significant other.

Most of the time, you and your significant others are going to have many differences, some being extreme. These differences don't necessarily have to be a problem, but they can often cause problems or bumps in the road. Some things are minor, like one of you wants Chinese for dinner and the other wants Mexican, so you have to compromise. You always have to compromise, though. Whether the difference is big or small, compromising is key.

Other differences could be where you grew up, your culture, or your family differences. For example, my boyfriend and I are complete opposites. Usually, this difference doesn't affect us much, but when it does, it seems to become a disaster. He and his family are outdoorsy people who like to hunt and fish and hike. Whereas my family and I are city folk. We like busy streets crowded with people, afternoon traffic and being surrounded by constant noise.

When this difference arises between my boyfriend and I, we typically end up fighting. Not because it's an actual problem, but because we are both on edge or uncomfortable in the company of the others extended family.

Differences don't have to cause problems. And differences will always arise, whether it be your significant other or your best pal. The important thing to remember is that you always have to think of the other person first. You have to put them before yourself and put yourself in their shoes. If you don't like it, then you change it. The differences just need compromise.