I am a 23-year-old female who is over a year into the "real world." (Also know as: life after college.) I have happily settled in to my life as an independent, East Coast, urban chick working in the non-profit world trying to save the planet.

Catholic and Rebellious

My upbringing has a significant effect on my ideas and values. I attended a Catholic single-sex school for 10 years, which taught me to be both rebellious and independent. A very liberal arts college reaffirmed my idealistic values.

I have been in 3 serious relationships, each lasting over a year. I am currently in the third one, which will most likely be my last.

Talk to Your Partner

In my mind, communication is the key to a good relationship. If you don't talk to your partner about what you are thinking and feeling, you are bound to have problems down the line.

I am an extremely honest person, and I think that is an important quality for a good partner and a good relationship.

– Lauren