For most of my adult life, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with the summer. I love being able to spend time in the sunshine every day (it’s actually really good for your mental health), but my body temperature doesn’t really agree with extreme weather conditions.

When I get cold, I stay cold for hours, and when I get hot, I’ve got no choice but to strip down to my bra and boxers. Thankfully, I live in the middle of nowhere, so I can do this without judgment, but still… There’s something that sucks about the hot, sticky weather.

Even though I’m not a fan of summer weather, or the way my legs stick to my desk chair when I wear shorts (or the above-mentioned boxer and bra combo), I love being in a relationship when the weather starts heating up.

As much as I already love being in a relationship – like I’m sure most of us who are LTR-prone do – there’s something about the weather warming up that makes it that much better. Actually, there are 8 things – and I’m going to share them with you today.

1. You don’t need to worry about how your “beach bod” looks.

Now, before I dive too deep into this one, let me clarify something: You shouldn’t care about how your beach body looks to other people, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t. Even the most secure among us want to look good when we’re searching for a partner, as we should. Sure, we want someone who likes us for who we really are… But don’t we all put a little extra effort in when you’re single?

That’s not really the case when we’re in relationships. We want to look good for our partner, but we also know that she loves us just as we are – no effort required. If we have worked up a great beach body, we have the confidence that comes from doing it for ourselves and the person we love, instead of for random strangers who may or may not ever even come into the picture.

2. The days are longer, so you have more time to spend together.

As great as hanging out in the moonlight is, there’s something extra magical about watching the sun go down first. Now that summer is here, the sunset is coming closer to the end of your day, instead of right in the middle, so you can end your day with a little bit of cuddling in the still-warm air as the sun sinks into the horizon.

Okay, maybe that’s a little too flowery and poetic for some people – I can admit that my way isn’t the best way for everyone. But the longer days also mean that you can squeeze in more of the light-required activities you want to do together than you ever could in winter time. Of course, the longest day of the year has already passed, but you still have plenty of time before the days start getting shorter again – make the most of what you’ve got left!

3. You have more date options in the summer time.

This is a wonderful time of year to work on getting fit, or to do those physically-active hobbies that you wish you could enjoy year ‘round. And, since there’s also more time in the day, you don’t have to wrap things up so soon – you’ve got full sunshine much later in the day, and that makes night adventures even more possible.

(Note that I’m not using “night adventures” as a euphemism here, but that’s definitely an option too… Just make sure you’re not putting yourself at risk of being arrested!)

4. Clothing is optional when you’re together.

If you’re anything like me, you hate the idea of “having” to wear clothes all the time. But hot summer days are the perfect excuse to strip down and get a little more comfortable with your body. I guess technically clothing is always optional, but I hate the idea of jail time more than I hate the idea of clothes (and being naked without a good reason feels silly).

Since you’re spending all your time in less clothing than you’ve worn for the rest of the year anyway, it’s a perfect time to show off those body parts that haven’t been getting your partner’s closest attention. She likes your legs but hasn’t seen them since last September? This is what summer time is all about. Just make sure you’re taking the time to appreciate your girlfriend’s body, too – even if she’s totally body-confident already, everyone loves a sincere compliment.

5. Beach party? No problem – you’ve already got a date!

Listen… Looking for a partner is a lot more work than keeping a partner. So when you already have a date for those upcoming events, you can focus on being an awesome party-goer, instead of trying to pick up on all the new people you meet. (Unless, of course, you and your partner are looking for someone to bring home with you… But that’s another subject entirely.)

It’s more than just someone to hook up with, though. When you’ve got a partner you trust to accompany to those parties, you’ve got the comfort of knowing that someone has your back if you get just a little too tipsy, and she knows you’ve got her back, too. Summer is about having fun – not about worrying how you’re going to get home safely. (It should go without saying, but please, please don’t drink and drive. It’s better to blow money on a taxi than to find out you hurt or killed someone trying to get home on your own.)

6. Picnics are awesome, and they’re even more awesome with your girlfriend.

One of the most romantic (and simultaneously least expensive) types of going-out-to-eat is a picnic with the one you love. Make some sandwiches, or whip up her favorite travel-friendly meal, then head out for a great day in the sunshine. Not only are you soaking up that ever-important Vitamin D, but you’re also giving yourselves a peaceful opportunity to get closer to each other.

What if you can’t cook, or you don’t eat sandwiches? (Gluten-free, vegan, food allergies… Whatever the reason might be…) Take a book or a card game instead! Your day in the sun doesn’t have to be put on hold just because of your culinary or dietary restrictions. Just spending time together is half the fun anyway, so make it count in a way that works for you.

7. You’ve got a default road trip co-pilot.

First of all, let me be clear that your partner doesn’t exist to be your default anything – but that doesn’t mean that she won’t make a great copilot. (Or, in my case, a driver – someone please tell me I’m not the only 26-year-old without a license.) Having her next to you won’t relieve you of any apprehensions or fears about traveling, but it’ll give you a great experience to share together, and definitely a great memory for years to come.

If neither of you drives, or you can’t afford the time to take off work, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great summer adventure. Go on a hike, or explore your town as if you were tourists. This summer, anything is possible.

8. When all else fails, the end of summer can be the end of it.

One of the biggest apprehensions about relationships is that, one day, it will end, and at least one of you will totally be heartbroken over it. However, summer flings have a pre-defined deadline: The start of autumn. There aren’t really major expectations, because summer flings are – by definition – temporary.

Likewise, for those who have been in their relationship for a while already, summer gives you a chance to recreate yourself. If you don’t like the person that you’ve turned into, you’ve got more time in the day to make yourself a better partner, or even become the perfect no-strings-attached summer fling. Why not? Give yourself permission to be someone else.

After all, our personality isn’t a matter of our upbringing – it’s a matter of habit. Set the right habits, and you’ll see the changes in your life – why not start today?

[interaction id=”561262c874a791dd4b459468″]