It is a matter of fact that most people go through life searching for love, just to find themselves dissatisfied, unappreciated, or unfulfilled. I’m a firm believer in the fact that one should never settle for anything less than what they deserve, especially in love. You might be surprised that if you stop searching for it, you’ll find yourself falling in love with someone who makes you happier, healthier, and essentially, a better person. I can promise you, I am no relationship expert; I’m just dating my best friend.

SEE ALSO: Why You Should Absolutely Date Your Best Friend

The most important thing in any relationship is trust. I’ve noticed that the best ways to secure that level of trust are to be honest and fearless with each other and to develop openness over time, which requires maturity, integrity, and empathy from each individual. Personally, the affectionate, adventurous, and trusting relationship that I have with my boyfriend began when we weren’t afraid to be vulnerable with each other. It’s important to take chances in love; to not give up on it. During my entire senior year of high school, various people told me that the long-distance relationship I sought with my boyfriend wasn’t going to work out. A year ago I took those comments to heart but now I realize that right at this moment, I am the happiest I’ve ever been. You’d be surprised at how distance can actually make a relationship stronger.

Confidence is ideal, but humility is key. In my relationship, I have noticed that it’s easy to be confident in myself around someone who has known me for a very long time. I can talk to him about anything and everything going on in my own life without hesitating because he’s always there to listen and provide helpful input. Your flaws, mistakes, and imperfections are insignificant in the eyes of your best friend. Your beliefs and values are respected. He or she has seen you at your absolute worst and your very best, yet they would never want to change the person you naturally are. But knowing all of that should humble you. It is central to focus on one’s own happiness, but in a relationship, it should be equal and you need to take into consideration the happiness of your significant other.

Sometimes dating your best friend isn’t always the most romantic. You’re not embarrassed of things that would be mortifying anywhere else in public. But the cool thing is that you can completely flip a 180 with that person and go out on a fancy date overlooking the entire city of Paradise Valley at night. You’ll constantly jinx each other, you’ll know all of their favorite things, you’ll plan for various adventures, and you’ll wish there were more than 24 hours in a day. My parents are high school sweethearts and life-long best friends. Every time I ask my dad the number one thing he loves about my mom, he responds, “She makes me a better person.” For anyone else dating his or her best friend, this couldn’t be more truthful.