Stick together.

Alas, life is not easy. Relationships are not easy. They are one of those things where you have to keep communicating to keep everything well oiled and strong. You can't let little words slip out if they're not what you meant, because one of the worst things you can do is say things that you can't take back. Be slow to anger, relay your frustration as calmly as you can and with respect. Keep your fights above the belt and don't say things that you know will hurt just because you're angry, because those are the cracks that last long after the fight is over.

That being said, don't ignore the arguments that you need to have in order to get your feelings out there, learn from it, and grow. That's probably one of the hardest parts for me; the fighting. I was one of those children who spent the majority of my childhood cringing when people yelled and constantly trying to make everyone happy. It worked then, not now. Now I have to work on myself as well, because in order to grow in your relationship you have to grow as a person. Being with someone isn't about staying the same, it's about growing together. Something that get's tensed and stressed as more and more things worm their way between you two: Money, jobs, unsupportive people, the mistakes that you both are bound to make. These are things that can all be figured out and worked through fairly easily, as long as you both are willing to admit your shortcomings and put the other person first.

The easiest way to grow together? Just listen. Always listen. Don't ever tune out, just try to hear the other person out and understand where they're coming from. Even if you don't agree, don't make them feel invalid or stupid about their thoughts or opinions. No one wants a power struggle, sometimes that means ignoring their faults and focusing on their strong points, to encourage them to try new things, and support them in their dreams. Especially if they don't succeed. On that note, make an effort to be happy. To be adventurous and to constantly be trying to learn more about your partner, because one of the saddest things in a relationship is when people get to comfortable -they don't dress up, they don't date, they don't care. Even little things like going at getting coffee together are important.

Tell them you love them, every day. Because you see them for who they truly are, not how they see themselves, not how others see them, just as themselves. You know that they are incredible, even when they don't, so it's important to remind them. Love is hard, but it's worth it. Never give up on someone when things get hard, love them even more fiercely, because everything will be okay in the end.

On that note, I leave you to celebrate your Friday. Somehow my mind always thinks that Friday is a good day to quote the abomination of a song by Rebecca Black. Darn it. I urge you to take your weekend and have fun! Take your hunny out on a date, see your friends, try something new, anything! Just make it happen.

Love,
Alice