by Terin Copening

Created on: July 15, 2009

Have you ever heard the rule that every square is a rectangle but not every rectangle is a square? It is very similar to relationships, every long term relationship began as a short term relationship but not every short term relationship will make it to be a long term relationship. So why would anyone want to turn a short term relationship into one that could last a long time and then even possibly end up in failure?

When you meet that special someone for the first time you know that the first few hours you spend with him are going to be fact-finding missions. You'll learn the types of food that he likes to eat, what genre of music he likes to listen to, and whether he prefers comedy or horror movies. If you really hit it off together, you'll make the decision to meet again and thus begins your short term relationship.

There are many benefits that come with a short term relationship. You know that the person you're seeing is going to make sure that he always looks and smells his best for you. You know that he'll go out of his way to do things that you enjoy and he will attempt to keep you happy. The best thing about a short term relationship is that there are no strings attached. If for any reason you're not satisfied, you can simply make the call and abort without any severe consequences.

However, if you don't make that phone call at just the right time your relationship you'll find that your relationship has some how transformed into a long term relationship. You may not realize it at first, but then your significant other will alert you of the approaching anniversary. At this point, you may feel an overwhelming desire to bail on this stranger but you can't because you are afraid of hurting him. Then suddenly you discover that this person is no longer a stranger. You know things about him that you never even knew about your own brother or sister.

And so it is with a long term relationship. You know exactly what to say to make your partner smile but at the same time you know just what to do to push your partner's buttons. You know in your mind's eye what your partner looks like at their best even when they're in extra large sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt. And you know that no matter how angry your partner may get at times that his smile can light up any room in the building your in.

This is why many people have chosen to have a long term relationship as opposed to a short term relationship (including myself). We have learned that there will be good times and bad times. There will be days where you love them with every fiber of your being and there will be days when you wish you'd never met him. But deep down, you know that you'd die before you let any harm come to him and that he'd do the same for you. You also know that he'll be there to stand by you and support you until the end. You have found a companion. That is a comfort that you just don't have with a short term relationship.

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