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They actively work on problems instead of pushing them under the rug.

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You have integrity.

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Whether you consider it a baby step towards marriage, a means of procrastinating that walk down the aisle, or purely a money-saving measure, there’s really no downside to becoming Domestic Partners once you qualify for this underrated relationship milestone.

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Hint: Love is not enough.

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Their television show requirements. For example, they might be willing to negotiate their binge-watch go-tos, but if they are non-negotiably following Game of Thrones, you might want to consider hopping on that bandwagon.

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Rather than down a bottle of brandy and plummet off a bridge, the ringless should try to understand where their partner is coming from and then decide — chill the hell out or move the hell on?

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Do I feel secure and validated in my own skin, or do I still crave a significant other’s approval?

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Reaching the point where you know in your heart that you’re not going to break up, even during the nastiest fights.

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The only thing sweeter than the stunning newness of falling in love is the unexpected warmth and strength of what comes next.

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Despite my fears, I think I still want to marry you. I should be sprinting the other way, but instead, the only place I want to run to is your arms.