Valentine’s Day is a week away– one of the most annoying holidays known to man, especially if you’re single. It is merely a Hallmark holiday where girls get to sucker their men and get spoiled off their ass and it reminds us single people that we are alone (feel free to roll up into fetal position and cry with me people). If you’re in a relationship, spending money for a holiday that you’re obligated to celebrate may seem like a way to prove how much you care about someone. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather enjoy company and simplicity in a relationship all the time, not just on February 14th. A little conversation, adventures and cuddle fests and I’m a happy camper. I guess in some ways that makes me a loser, but I’m a cheap date, easily amused if the vibe is right.

When it all comes down to it, what are the perks of actually being in a relationship besides this God forsaken holiday? I’ve done a little brainstorming for ya. These are some of the upsides of snagging yourself a honey, assuming your relationship is somewhat healthy and you’re not fighting behind closed doors and then lying to the world about your “happiness.”

1. The Sexy Time

When you’re in a committed relationship, I think you owe it to your partner to practice the act of love making, numerous, numerous times. Having sex when the driving force behind it is emotion and strong feelings is so much more meaningful and doesn’t make you feel like a dirty slut afterward.

Sex within the relationship is where you get to be wild and crazy. After being with someone for quite some time, you get to understand how they work and enjoy how they work it. You get to physically learn what they like, and you can express what you like being done to you without feeling like a crazy pervert. Like whips and chains? Do the damn thing if you’re both into that. When you’re in a relationship you can do whatever floats your boat and tickles his pickle.

Booty calls don’t exist and you won’t have to feel guilty for pulling the whole, “Wham bam thank you ma’am” deal. When you’re in a relationship you’re allowed to enjoy all the sex you want.

2. You’ll Never Be Alone

Nobody likes to be alone. Most of us suffer from a mild case of isolophobia, the fear of being alone, and aren’t afraid to admit that we want someone in our life to share it with.

After a hard day’s work, it’s nice knowing that you have someone there to come home to. When life goes awry, your girl will be there to listen and let you know that things will be okay. Although friends also serve that purpose, your girl won’t make fun of you if you feel the need to have an Oprah moment with her and shed a few tears. Sharing those types of intimate experiences only bonds you closer together. Every guy wants a girl that will be their backbone and safety cushion when they let their guard down. Guys want girls that put them at ease and help make life better, and vice versa.

3. Sugar Daddies Without the Weird Creepy Factor

Besides knowing that you’ll never be alone, being in a relationship ensures (or so I hope) that you’ll be taken care of, and that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guaranteed a sugar daddy. Other than the fact that you can rest assured that that person will love you unconditionally, it does help if they’re willing to spend a few bucks here and there for you.

Girls, don’t take this to the extreme. DO NOT expect the guy to always go out of his way to buy you everything that pretty little heart of yours desires. Dinner here and there isn’t a big deal, but why not make your boo some dinner and stay in for a movie afterward? You can be sweet, so show him some sugar too!

It’s not about being materialistic, but at least be thankful about the things your man does for you. Whether it be buy you ice cream when you’re PMSing or dropping that paper to get you a pair of flossin’ new kicks, he’ll get you what you deserve and don’t forget to return the generosity. Sexy time can always show just how thankful you are!

4. It Boosts Your Self Confidence

Girlfriends make great cheerleaders, and most will be the first to offer up their time to watch your football game, even when they don’t know what the hell is going on. You want the person to be on your team, not sitting on the sidelines, and girls are the best at showing their support for the ones they love.

Girls are gossipers and have no shame in bragging to their friends about just how great you are, which in turn gains you the respect from the crazy girl clique. The girlfriend will feel blessed that they’ve got Mr. Right and you’ll feel relieved that you’re the good guy for once. Her girls will then wish they could have a catch like you and find you ten times more attractive, which is an easy confidence boost.

Guys look, and girls hate guys for it. I personally see no shame in looking, as long as you don’t touch! If you’re the type of chill girl, then you know what I’m talking about. Let’s set the scenario: Girls, you and your boy are in the mood for some sushi so you decide to hit up your favorite sushi joint. You pass a table of girls that are looking at you and your man, eyes hungry with envy. You got a stud muffin on your hands, way to go! The girls stare, and whisper. Now if you’re cool and don’t care what others say about you, you brush it off, don’t get jealous, and in the back of your mind you’re smiling and thinking to yourself, “Yeah biotch, you wish you had him. He’s mine. Sucks for you.” If you’re one of those jealous types that will say that out loud, STOP, and don’t even think about getting all Jackie Chan on those girls. Save the drama for your mama. This should make you feel good that he’s yours and all yours; take that as a compliment, not as some scheme that’s being plotted against you to steal your arm candy.

5. They’ll Give You A Family

When you’re in a relationship, not only do you gain a best friend, but they’ve become part of who you are as a person; they’ve become your family. That special person becomes as close to you as your sister, brother, or maybe even your parent. They act as another caretaker, which is often why mother in laws and their daughter in laws do not get along. They will often take your side simply because they love you.

Someday, when you’re in a relationship for a lengthy period of time, the talk of making a future and family together comes up. Eventually, if your relationship goes there, you find yourself married to that special man or woman that has stuck it out with you. Families are important, and having your own with someone you chose to spend your whole life with, ’til death do you part, is a blessing in itself.

Of course there are minor perks of having a significant other. Family and social events are much more exciting when you have a prime dime to show off, and having that extra company with you is always nice. Life just seems better, your days seem a little brighter, and that amazing lay last night may give you that extra kick in your step.

*10 Reasons Why You Should Be Single:

1. You’re ALLOWED to have booty calls: Free, uncommitted sexy time, all day, any day!

2. Level 5 clingers: They will drive you mad. Been there, done that, no fun! Did someone say “restraining order?”

3. It’s a cheap lifestyle. Although you’ll be alone, you won’t have to spend a dime on some crazy hoe of a girlfriend (if that’s the case).

4. Jealousy: Guys and girls alike are both jealous characters. If the girl you’re seeing can’t handle that you’re a spitting image of J. Timberlake, ditch the bitch. Simple as that. Some people never change and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

5. Save yourself the drama AND heartache. You’ll have more time on your hands to go out and live life; it’s too short, and don’t let anyone rain on your parade if they’re not gonna enjoy the sunshine with you.

6. You can play the field, if that’s your cup of tea.

7. You’re in no rush to settle down, especially for anything less than perfect.

8. If you just got your heart broken, don’t rush into anything. Don’t make the next person that comes along be your rebound. That’s a horrible thing to do and nobody wants to know that they’re filling in a void.

9. You don’t have the time for a relationship. Girls are far too impatient to wait, so don’t bother unless you can give them the time she deserves.

10. If you have kids and you need someone to be there for you in the long run, take the time to get to know someone first. You don’t want your kids to learn at an early age that people are willing to walk in and out of your life and theirs. This can emotionally damage a young child’s perception of relationships. Look for a keeper.

When you’re in a relationship, you have to remember that you’re combining TWO separate lives together. At times, this “separate life fusing together” concept causes gray areas. Girls, quit being so god damn protective and needy. I can’t reiterate this enough, happens way too often! I’ve seen my friends in relationships where they have their significant other wrapped around their finger; he/she pretty much signed away their freedom the day they made it “official.”

The great thing about having someone in your life is that they care enough about you that they want you all to themselves, but you gotta share with the family and friends, because we all know that sharing is caring. Nobody likes the crazy controlling psycho overprotective girlfriend or boyfriend!

Although being in a relationship may or may not sound much more appealing after reading this post, it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be. Being in a relationship is like planting a flower, you have to give it lots of time and understanding to let it flourish. It can not be rushed, but when you do all the right things, it can become something beautiful.