So, you’ve made it through the first few dates? Now you’ve decided that you like each other enough to spend time watching them eat and other things that couples do.

As a consequence of spending more time together, there will be certain ‘firsts’ that’re awkward and uncomfortable. There’ll also be really lovely ‘firsts’ that are exciting and will fill your heart with warmth. But those don’t help anyone. It’s the embarrassing, cringy ones that test your affection and ultimately make you a stronger duo.

The First Fart

I made the mistake of admitting to bae that I thought we hadn’t had our first fart, to which his reply was “no, you just didn’t hear it”. It hurt a little. The first fart is a playful and silly admission that you’re both human. Plus, farts just sound hilarious and if your partner doesn’t find a tiny ‘toot’ absolutely hilarious then I think it’s time to say goodbye.

Ultimately, we might try to cover up our innocent bodily functions for as long as possible but it’s probably just easier to get over it. You can’t hide that stuff forever, and all the time you spend worrying about it just makes you anxious and signals to bae that you don’t feel comfortable with them.

The First Drunk Night Out

We’re all human (see above paragraph) and inevitably one of you is going to find yourself having had a little too many drinks on an empty stomach one night. Cue: Drunk texts, calls, and heaven forbid, house visits.

While holding back your bae’s hair and getting them a glass of water, you come to truly understand how much you mean to them. Mostly because they keep on repeating it over and over. Conversely, if you’re having your hair held back and they still want to kiss you the next day (not that night, obviously) you’ve found a patient, kind and selfless companion. Keep them.

The First Time Meeting Their Friends

It’s the make or break point. You’ve had a briefing on each friend: Name, age, occupation, relationship status, type of meme they find funny. You’re going in loaded with anecdotes.

The good thing is that if you’re ‘meeting the bois’ it means it’s serious. And same with the gals. Not every beau is going to get an invite to brunch. How their friends treat you, and how bae treats your friends is a big sign. Do they talk too much? Talk too little? Do they start eating before you can take an insta photo?

The First Accidental ‘I Love You’

So, things have been getting a little more serious but no one has mentioned the L-word until it accidentally comes out at the end of a phone call or during a soothing cuddle or (more realistically) during a heated argument.

Whether it’s you, or your partner that blurts it out the important thing is to be open about it. If it’s not completely reciprocal yet, that’s fine! And if it’s mutual, even better.

The First Road Trip

There are only three situations that can arise during your first road trip together:

#1 You’re both disorganised: This is not good. Maps and plans are important.

#2 You’re both organised: This creates a conflict between plans. A car can only have one driver.

#3 One is organised, and resents the fact that the other disorganised party has just come along without spending as much time and effort in planning as they have.

Things can’t always end up perfectly. The only thing you can do is get a good playlist going to soothe the tension.

Every relationship needs to overcome these hurdles. And when you do, nothing will seem insurmountable in comparison.

(Lead image: Sex And The City, HBO)