I have been with my boyfriend for five years. The same guy. Five whole years. And I don’t regret one bit of it.

Whenever I tell someone I have been in a relationship for five years, they seem shocked. They say “Wow that’s such a long time!” I know it is not “typical” for a college student to be in such a long relationship. I know many college students do not want to get into anything serious during this period in their lives.

But I am so happy I found the person I love so much at such a young age. He always makes me laugh, is always there for me no matter what, and so much more. Being in a long-term relationship means so many things, but here's what it specifically means to me.

Being in a long-term relationship means being completely comfortable with someone. I consider myself a shy person. Okay, a very shy person. Somehow, I have felt comfortable with my boyfriend since the very beginning. I don’t know how he did it, but he got me to break out of my shell. I have found a best friend in him.

He's the person I binge-watch "The Office" with, listen to hours of music at a time with, and eat unhealthy amounts of pizza rolls with. We share memes with each other, and if that isn't relationship goals, I don't know what is. He knows me better than anyone else and still loves me, flaws and all. He gladly puts up with my awkwardness.

It also means sticking with each other through hard times. I’ve been through a lot in my life. He’s been through a lot. Heck, we’ve been through a lot together. But he’s always stood by my side and helped me through whatever I’m dealing with. I am forever thankful for this.

Being in such a long relationship means there will be arguments. Lots of them. I'm not saying it’s okay to be arguing all the time, but you will have your fair share of arguments in a relationship. But getting through them is what has made us stronger as a couple. At the end of the day, knowing you love each other even after an argument is what's important.

It also means growing together as people. Of course, since we’ve been together for so long, we’ve changed throughout the years. Interests have changed, friendships have faded, and even personality traits have altered slightly.

But we’ve still always managed to change together. We have also been our own individual selves the entire time, and aren’t just reliant on each other as a couple. We are both very involved at school, and have plenty of time to spend with our friends.

I think it's perfectly okay to be in a long relationship during college. It doesn't ruin the "college experience" or take away your fun. It's also perfectly okay to not be in a relationship during college. Either way, your relationship status does not define your experience in college. My point is, being in a long-term relationship is a great thing when you are with such an amazing person for you.