No farting, please.

Or talking with your mouth full, or leaving the toothpaste open.

Small, nasty little habits we have, which can drill the small holes of annoyance through which happiness seeps out of a relationship. Everybody has them, the trick is identifying those you can´t absolutely bear near you. Like that awful smell that emanates from a day old gym shirt that´s still lying on the bathroom floor. Or putting on your makeup in the car. Although this may sound like we´re going into Seinfeld territory, there are some habits that really get you on the other side of pissed. And since they are habitual (hence their name) it is very possible that they will happen every day. Every day. For as long as you both shall live.

So, either be watchful and wary, running from them like a startled cat, or learn to accept and live with them. Because you have them too, and you may need some slack the next time those beans start making music.

Just a friend

And that´s the problem with that dagger: "let´s JUST be friends" means exactly that. Just. As in, there´s nothing else. Nichts. Because a warm coat of fur, big ears, and waggly tail can fill that space too, and you are not looking for a pet here.

Physical attraction is not the most important thing in a relationship, but it is (very) important. It tips the scales on the "I´m going to like waking up to you everyday for the rest of my life, side". It makes you tingle in that tender place when you suddenly see your partner. It´s the blow that forces that "wow" from your lips when you meet for a date.

Time does not fade it when you combine it with all the other things that make a good relationship turn.

So go ahead and look out for beauty in the form you can best appreciate it, and pair it up with other good qualities. Or just look for a friend in your nearest kennel.