Up until this past July, I spent the last three years of my life sans relationship.  Little did I know, having a significant other requires more than I originally thought. 

Jumping from being single to being in a relationship was a mighty big leap for me.  It has taken a lot of adjusting.  Then, I got to thinking that I can’t be the only single girl at Southern Miss who isn’t single anymore. 

So, after some introspection and taking time to think of the ways my life has changed since gaining a significant other, I compiled some tips to give to those girls like me who have been off of the relationship train for some time.

Tip #1: Compromise is key. 

This is what I struggle with the most.  I am very stubborn and, at times, extremely selfish.   For the past few years I have been able to do what I want when I want. 

Besides compromising with my friends, I could spend my time eating and hanging out wherever I please.  Now, I have someone else to think about.  Usually, my boyfriend and I trade weekends visiting each other, give each other options in regards to where we want to go that night and try to make time between our busy schedules to get a phone call in a couple times a week.

Tip #2: One of the first big obstacles a couple must overcome is their first fight. 

I just assumed that after the first fight happened we would break up because that’s what couples do when they fight, right?  I was so wrong.  Every day isn’t going to be sunshine and rainbows. 

That is something every person new to a relationship needs to know.  Similar to dealing with a friend, most of the time fights and bad days make the relationship stronger after you work through all of the disagreements.

 Tip #3: To my former single ladies, you might want to brace yourselves.  

Be prepared to put on a little weight when you first start dating someone.  The “love chub” is just as much a reality as the Freshman 15.  In my case, my boyfriend loves food and his metabolism is quite a bit higher than mine. 

The first month of our relationship I paid no attention to what I was eating when we were together.  Then my favorite pair of jeans started getting a little too snug, and I realized that something had to be done. 

My tip to combat the love chub is to watch what you are eating and realize that you only have to compete to be the table champ with your guy friends, not your boyfriend.

After being single for three years and then finally taking myself off of the market, the transition has been a tough one. Though sometimes difficult, I don’t regret my decision one bit.  If you are perpetually single as I once was and you find a guy that you can put up with for longer than a month, go for it.

Keep my tips in mind and switching your relationship status from “single” to “in a relationship” won’t be as frightening after all.