"Life with you makes perfect sense. You're my best friend."-Tim McGraw

Those lyrics from Tim McGraw's song My Best Friend relates perfectly to the topic of my article. When you're in a relationship with your partner, they should not just be your partner. There should be more to the relationship.

In my past relationships, nothing was more true than the fact that they should be your best friend. Every relationship starts out with a simple friendship that develops into more. However, sometime the when it develops, we tend to lose the friendship part. There becomes a separation between friends and boyfriend/girlfriend. What I've learned is that in order to make a relationship last, the friendship that started the relationship must be in tact.

1. Don't be afraid to be yourself.

When your with your girl friends or guy friends is when you feel like yourself. That should be the same case with your significant other. You should not be afraid to look stupid or act silly in front of them. They need to see you for yourself and I'm sure they will still love you. Don't hide who you truly are because you are keeping your partner from loving you for you.

2. Dates don't have to be big.

Being in a relationship with your best friend makes everyday together a date. You don't have to go out to expensive restaurants for it to be a date. A date for y'all can be just hanging out and enjoying a movie.

3. Family involvement.

When you have a best friend, your parents love them and you have them over. The same goes for your partner. Whenever you're best friends with your partner, bringing them home to the family is like bringing another member of the family home. When the family loves your partner, it makes everything better. Family involvement and interaction with your partner is huge. When your partner can be goofy and talk to the family like they've been a part of it forever, it's great. Family is the best judge of character. Sometimes we like what they have to say and other times we don't.

4. No secrets

Your best friend is someone who you trust and know will not judge you. The same should be for your partner. Every relationship wants there to be honesty and trust. When you're with your best friend that comes easily. Having a relationship where the other person knows you and everything, you don't have to think about what to say. It just comes out naturally. That's how it should be. You should be able to tell your partner everything and know they will be by your side. Trust is a key component in a healthy relationship. When your partner is your best friend, trust comes easily.

From past experience, dating someone you don't have a strong friendship base, the relationship can be rocky. You can always work on it. However, having someone you can be yourself with and not be afraid to look ridiculous is a lot more fun. You can both be crazy and ridiculous together. It's more fun in pairs.