We have all been through it. Once we get into a relationship, things start to change. We tend to spend every waking moment with our partner, walking to class together, eating together and sleeping together. They are basically our only friend now, and your other friends think that you dropped off the face of the earth. We spend hours in front of the mirror trying to perfect ourselves before they come pick us up for a party. Our outfit has to thoroughly suit our body and our makeup has to be correctly contoured. Going to the gym and eating right is a regular ordeal because we have to look good for them (or at least with our clothes on). We wake up in the morning feeling special because of the loving “good morning” text messages that light up our phones and get excited for the weekends because that means having romantic dates with our partners.

But after a few months, the honeymoon phase is over, which means no more dressing up, putting on makeup and running on the treadmill to impress your significant other. They start to say that they need to spend more time with their friends, which usually means they are getting tired of you, right? Staying in and watching a movie is your Friday night fun instead of them taking you out on a whimsical date. The sweet text messages or kind “just because” gestures are far between. You and your partner are pretty comfortable with each other now, which means that all of the effort that you put in during the beginning is supposed to stop. Wrong!

It doesn’t matter if you have been dating three weeks or three years, putting in effort in the relationship is the key ingredient for making it last. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend is a priority and you both should work together to make sure that they feel special. We live in a world where movies, TV shows, magazines and the internet give couples false realities of what relationships are meant to be like. Although we shouldn’t live by the false advertising, couples should make their partner feel appreciated in their own way. I don’t mean extravagant gifts and luxurious dates, I mean the little things. Sending a sweet text message, letting them know that you are thinking of them. Bringing flowers or their favorite candy to their workplace just to show them that you care. Doing small, intimate things that the two of you can do together as a couple. Don’t forget to make time for yourself and other friends, though. Being a part sometimes is even better than being together 24/7.

I have heard of (and been in) too many relationships that end because the other person stops trying. Relationships are tough, sometimes hard work, and confusing, but if you truly love someone, do your best to keep them in your life. The little things are what matter the most and will matter the most to your partner.