Although I've never been obsessed with fitness, I've always taken pride in maintaining a decent physique. However, everything changed when I entered a happy relationship. I've noticed that my healthy habits have vanished, and I've become a gluttonous girlfriend instead. Despite being aware of my overindulgence, I can't seem to resist the temptation. Love seems to be causing me to gain weight.

1. All those dinner dates are starting to get to me

Being single may not have given me warm fuzzy feelings, but it did help me maintain a slim waistline. However, since being in a relationship, my partner and I love going out for dinners and indulging ourselves, which has had a negative impact on my physique. The burgers and fries are starting to show, but being in love makes me proud to wear them.

2. I may not be man-sized but I'm starting to eat his portions

When I'm eating alone, I consume a regular amount of food. However, since dining with an adult male regularly, I feel the need to match his portion size. It's hard to pick at my meal when my partner is devouring a massive plate of spaghetti, so I convince myself that I need to keep up.

3. I'm finally comfortable with who I am

One of the most significant benefits of being in a relationship is feeling loved for who you are. It's liberating to know that my partner accepts me just the way I am, so why bother trying to fit into my old skinny jeans? Thanks to my boyfriend's unconditional love, I feel confident and attractive in my own skin. Rather than resisting it, I should embrace and enjoy it.

4. I'm not bothered about impressing people

When I used to go out every Friday night wearing my skimpiest dress, my diet was a top priority. But now that I'm not trying to impress anyone, my focus on appearance has diminished. It's a relief to sit back and indulge in a cookie, knowing that my happiness isn't tied to a few extra pounds.

5. I admit it—I'm majorly nesting

Similar to a bear preparing for winter hibernation, I've started nesting in a significant way. Being in a happy relationship makes me want to stay indoors and bake cookies instead of sweating it out on the treadmill. Looking back, I can't believe I didn't embrace this lifestyle sooner.

6. When he's not there, I eat to fill the void

I'll confess, I'm incredibly sentimental, and I've grown accustomed to having a partner available for cuddles at any hour. As a result, when my boyfriend is not around, I replace him with chocolate. When I'm seeking comfort, a grilled fish won't suffice.

7. Who needs a good body for cozying up on the couch?

Feeling self-conscious about my body when I'm out with my friends isn't enjoyable, but it's irrelevant when snuggled up at home. Since most of my evenings are now spent indoors, I've become less concerned about going to the gym. After all, why exert energy toning my legs if they're going to be concealed under a blanket for most of the night?

8. My guy isn't with me purely for looks

If my partner were superficial, I would have reverted back to the single life by now. However, my boyfriend doesn't evaluate my value based on my appearance, which demonstrates to me that we share a unique bond. Suddenly, fretting over his opinion of my outfit feels shallow and unimportant.

9. Since when was romance kindled over salad?

If there's a food that represents love, it's not typically found in the fruit and vegetable aisle (with the exception of strawberries, perhaps). Nobody has ever prepared a romantic dinner that's under 600 calories, and it's just not enjoyable to eat that kind of food as a couple. Being in a relationship is about relishing everything together, including a satisfying and nourishing meal.

10. Men don't get soup

It's not only about savoring food together, being with someone also involves considering their preferences, and let's face it, men tend to have a strong liking for carbs and protein. No man has ever expressed gratitude to me for serving a bowl of soup, and I'd rather indulge in a meal that we both relish.

11. I'll diet for the wedding

Being in a relationship doesn't give me permission to neglect my health, but it does bring a sense of balance where it doesn't matter if I indulge in a bag of chips or not. If I want to look fabulous for a special event (such as a wedding), I'm confident that I can slim down quickly. For now, I'm relishing being a happy, albeit slightly curvier, version of myself.