Looking at the cereal shelves in the grocery store, there is every possible combination of flavor and nutrition. In a way, the same is true of relationships: some are sexy and fiery while others are predictable and healthy. Take these comparisons for example.
Cheerios: Cheerios, a staple cereal in the American cupboard, is nutritious, predictable, and homogenous. You might be in a Cheerios relationship if you and your partner are settled into a routine from which you rarely veer off course, yet you have the mutual respect and communication skills that make for a healthy relationship. Don't be afraid to go for the Honey Nut Cheerios or add some strawberries every once in a while to spice things up!
Lucky Charms: "They're magically delicious!" Lucky Charms mixes nutritious whole grain bites with the pop and flavor of tiny, whimsical marshmallows. You might be in a Lucky Charms relationship if your usual daily grind is punctuated by spontaneous adventures, youthful jokes, or child-like activities. Just make sure you agree upon the correct balance between whole grain and marshmallows, and give up one or the other when it matters.
Honey Bunches of Oats: Honey Bunches of Oats (my personal favorite cereal) combines crunchy flakes and oat clusters with a hint of sweetness in a way that makes for a different flavor in each bite. You might be in a Honey Bunches of Oats relationship if you keep from settling into a "normal" routine by frequently offering each other little surprises, romantic gestures, and unanticipated opportunities. Although this type of couple is probably fine with unpredictability, be sensitive to your partner's needs. Sometimes it's courteous to throw him a heads up when he was expecting a crunchy flake and is about to get thrown a nut cluster.
Fruity Pebbles: Fruity Pebbles are an endless medley of sugary sweet flavors with no real nutritious value. You might be in a Fruity Pebbles relationship if it's all about the baby talk, cuddling, and fun, without any of the deep conversations, conflict resolution, or practical activities that keep a relationship grounded and moving forward. Fruity Pebbles always taste good at first, but by the end of the bowl, I'm usually craving something a little more substantial.
I don't know about you, but there are times when I just want one type of cereal for a long time, other times when I have an appetite for something sugary sweet, and still other times when I might be longing for some Trix but really need to eat some Shredded Wheat. I think every once in a while it's good to take inventory of what you and your partner have going on in your cereal cupboard - I mean, in your relationship - and decide whether anything needs to change.
Which flavor of cereal is your relationship like?
More from this contributor:
Fasting from Facebook: What I Learned About My Social Life
5 Signs You're Ready to Get Married
Boredom Busters: Seven Ways to Keep Your Relationship Interesting
