After the honeymoon phase, relationships can start to get real. Suddenly you two are up in the wee hours of the night going to town.... on an extra-large pizza, and feeling no shame in having pizza grease smeared across your face. It's during these times that you realize they really are your best friend.
1. Gifts start becoming more practical
Giphy.com
This doesn't mean you have to stop giving the mushy gifts, but after a certain point, you start thinking about more sensible gifts that you know they really needs.
2. You can practically read each other's minds
Giphy.com
A look can mean a million different things, but when they're your bestie, they know exactly what you're thinking.
3. Things like morning breath are much smaller issues
Giphy.com
You start getting much more comfortable with them, and that means there is less of a rush to get to the bathroom and freshen up because you are confident that they don't really mind. Although, that shouldn't stop you from brushing your teeth.
4. You don't need to be talking 24/7
You don't need constant reassurance that they love you and want to talk, you can go hours without speaking and still trust their word.
5. There is a healthy roast-to-swoon ratio
Giphy.com
Having a true best friend within your boyfriend means that you can tell him how much you love him but also tease him for something embarrassing he has done in the same sentence, and it's wonderful.
6. You reach a new level of honesty
Giphy.com
New relationships are filled with small white lies about what you feel like doing or whether or not you like the outfit they're wearing, but best friends are much more likely to be honest.
7. There is less caution towards messy foods
Giphy.com
If you've never ordered salads or other non-mess dishes on the first few dates to avoid looking messy, more power to you. If you're like the rest of us, you know this is a real struggle. Being best friends opens the door to a judgement-free eating environment, yum!
8. You can easily spend time together without being handsy
Giphy.com
After awhile, you don't feel the need to be touching all the time like you would in the honeymoon phase. You are cool to sit next to each other but not be all over one another.
9. They are the first person you go to for advice, even when you know you're in the wrong
Giphy.com
When he's also your best friend, you start sharing problems with him that may even make you look bad, because you know he will offer the best advice without looking at you differently.
10. Nights in are more appealing than ever before
Giphy.com
This means you can drop the standards for pricy date nights and stay inside with a movie without feeling guilty.
11. You venture into territory that some may label "gross"
Giphy.com
You're much more likely to personally pick something out of your boyfriends teeth when you're also best friends. It's not gross to you guys, though.
12. You've stuck around when things get really tough
Giphy.com
You're a lot less likely to give up when he is also your best friend. This means sticking around when things are really hard. Relationships are hard sometimes, but you're in it for the long run.
sunrise
StableDiffusion
bonfire friends
StableDiffusion
sadness
StableDiffusion
purple skies
StableDiffusion
