Little things matter and should be celebrated. Aside from the fact that same-sex couples everywhere are denied specific rights and privileges in our society, there are some little perks that come from same-sex relationships after all.

One of the main perks I noticed from being in relationships with members of the same sex is that my wardrobe practically doubles by the time the relationship has ended. This usually is not something that is completely intentional, but traces of boyfriends past can be found in my room in form of stylish clothes that somehow found their way in my possession. There usually is a tradeoff that goes on here as well in which I end up losing some of my favorite wardrobes, which is unfortunate, but the inheritance of new clothing is also very nice.

Another benefit of being in a same-sex relationship is not having to worry about pregnancy scares. I am an advocate of safe sex even while in a relationship. However, it is nice not having to constantly worry about planning to be a father if an accident were to occur during our intimate times together.

Speaking of not being able to get pregnant in gay relationships, you have excuses to tell your parents and grandparents why they shouldn’t be expecting grandchildren anytime soon. It seems that at family gatherings the older generations are always wondering when you are going to start a family and grow up. While being in a gay relationship, family seems to avoid this question. Of course there is always the possibility of adoption, but much less pressure is put on you when you aren’t in a heterosexual relationship.

The last benefit of being in a same-sex relationship is that we don’t have to feel the pressure of falling into traditional gender roles. No one is expected to be the bread winner and homemaker. We can basically be a big, gay power couple. Also, dinners are split, so the guy isn’t always expected to pick up the dinner bill. Of course, with the progressive views of today, gender roles are starting to be a thing of the past, but with gay relationships, there’s never been the pressure for one of us to be the man or woman in the relationship. We’ve always been just man and man and woman and woman.

Being in a same-sex relationship has its perks. There are many things that people look over when considering the benefits of same-sex relationships, but in reality, it has its ups and downs.

dhyanie@mavs.coloradomesa.edu