Underrated Relationship Milestones That You Shouldn’t Overlook
There's a lot of pressure on people to check certain things off the list of dating milestones. People spend a lot of money and time celebrating things like Valentine's Day, your monthly anniversary, your yearly anniversary, and other major holidays.
Those are all great, and they're important, but what about some of the smaller milestones that actually like have a big impact?
Your First Kiss
In a lot of ways, this one goes without saying. But, many of us don't slow down to appreciate the first kiss anymore, especially in the hookup culture we live in. The first time you share just a kiss with your partner is really special!
Your First Phone Call
Let's face it: no one likes talking on the phone. That's why, when you and your new SO have your first phone call, it's a pretty big deal. It means you want to talk to them more than you feel uncomfortable about being on the phone.
You Eat At Each Other's Favorite Resturant
What someone likes to eat can say a lot about them. So, when you and your new boo go to your favorite restaurants it's a pretty big deal. You get to see what their go-to meal out is, and you're being invited into a new part of each other's lives.
Getting Into A TV Show Together
When you start dating, you spend a lot of time watching each other's favorite TV shows and movies. But, there is something special about getting into a show together that neither of you has seen before. Let all the debates about the characters and plot begin!
You Send A Not Cute Selfie
It's a huge relationship moment when you can turn on that front camera and snap a quick pic where your chins are out or you haven't had time to do your makeup yet. That is a real vulnerability. It isn't love until you've shared a selfie you wouldn't want anyone else to see.
You Stop Analyzing All Their Texts
When you can check your phone and see they haven't messaged you yet and it doesn't freak you out, that's a huge deal. Same with when they do send you something and you don't spend hours in your group chat trying to work out what it means.
Your First Big Shopping Trip Together
No couple has a chance of surviving unless they can do something as boring as grocery shopping, or as stressful as going to IKEA. After you've made it through your first shop together, there is a definite need to celebrate.
Your First Sleepover
Again, this one kind of goes without saying, but it's worth mentioning. The first time you sleepover at your SO's place... and just sleep... is a lovely thing. Those are the types of moments that start to become a part of being in a longterm relationship.
You Start Adding Their Friends And Family On Facebook
This is a big one! If your partner didn't think that you were someone worth investing in, there is no way that their friends and family would have any interest in getting to know you at all.
Their Pets Stop Treating You Like A Stranger
When you can walk into your partner's house and their pets treat you like they treat them — that's a big moment. You're one of the family now! Besides, gaining the love of an animal is something to celebrate on its own.
Your First Inside Joke
Maybe someone made a weird typo or one of you blurted out a dumb nickname, but having your first inside joke is a great sign that things are going well. It's important to be able to laugh together.
Knowing Each Other's Phone Password
Privacy is a big deal and everyone should have it, even those in relationships. But, there is something to be said about being able to trust your partner enough to go into your phone and check something for you.
You Swap Apartment Keys
When you trust someone enough that you're OK with them being in your home without you, or you're OK with them letting themselves in, that's huge! You've both reached a point where you feel like you can share important things, like your safe space with one another.
You Post A Photo With Them On Social Media
It isn't about being social media official, but more about being so excited to share your life with this person. You want your friends and family to be in on some of those moments.
Leaving Stuff At Their Place
When your partner suggests you bring your own toothbrush, or clears out a drawer for you to keep extra clothes in, that's something worth celebrating. They want you around and don't see you leaving their life anytime soon.
You Have No More Awkward Silences
This is a big one. Being able to be quiet with someone and not have to feel like you need to talk to them all the time is an amazing form of intimacy. It can be a relief to enjoy someone's company without having to talk with them.
You Take Care Of Each Other When You're Sick
Being sick is gross, but when you and your partner are in it for the long haul, that doesn't matter. You're more worried about bringing them soup and Gatorade than you are how greasy and sick they look.
You Can Order For One Another
You gotta love when you've both had a long day and you trust whoever finishes work first to pick up your favorite take out so you can stay in and watch movies for the night. It feels like you're really getting to know one another.
Not Caring About What You Look Like
Yes, it's important to take pride in how you look, and it's important to want to impress your partner. But, when you get to a point when not being able to get showered after the gym or heading over with greasy hair and no makeup isn't a big deal, you realize that's a great place to be.
Your First Argument
Surviving your first big argument is going to tell you a lot about one another. It takes a long time to learn how to fight right, so when you come out the other side of a fight it's something to be proud of.
