When thinking of your ideal relationship, what lists do you compile in your mind? Maybe it's a list of places you'd like to visit together, or perhaps it's a list of ways you'd like the other person to treat you. When it comes down to it, though, make sure you appreciate your SO for who they are and for the things they already do (or don't do) for you. They might surprise you, the same way my boyfriend did. I never thought I would love him for not doing some of these things below, but it has taught me to focus on the smaller, more important aspects of life. Here are eight things my boyfriend doesn't do; AKA eight reasons I love him!

My boyfriend doesn't #wcw me on Instagram.

Our relationship is not a technological product for society's amusement or approval.

My boyfriend isn't a talker.

He's a doer. He surprises me with flowers and doughnuts in the morning, or takes me cruising through neighborhoods picking out our dream house.

My boyfriend doesn't take me on fancy dates.

He knows my comfort zone. And if I feel like dressing up, he'll dress right up with me, even if it's just for a Chick-fil-a run.

My boyfriend doesn't always pay the bill.

I love being able to buy something for him and showing him affection in that way. Sometimes I'll even fill his gas tank for him if I know he's running low, "just because".

My boyfriend doesn't hold me at night.

My boyfriend is a tosser, and subsequently values his space. I don't expect him to sleep uncomfortably for my sake when he has to wake up early and works so hard everyday.

My boyfriend doesn't tell me I'm beautiful.

He believes in me to have the confidence to know for myself that I am beautiful. This has taught me to not rely on others to define my self-image and has helped me to establish a profound confidence in myself!

My boyfriend doesn't baby talk me.

He tells me like it is and uses tough love on me frequently. He tears me down to build me up. He knows the limits of my inner strengths.

My boyfriend doesn't always understand me.

And that's okay, because I enjoy explaining myself to him and watching him discover something new about me. It also keeps our so far three-year relationship fresh and interesting!

My boyfriend isn't perfect.

Neither am I, and that's perfect for me.