It had been months since my previous relationship. I had no interest in finding someone new after a long, ugly breakup. I had my guard up. I was confused on love and felt as if I should give up on dating for a while before I looked for anyone new. I moved home for the summer. I was in my own happy world, blocking out the negative emotions I had been feeling for so long while at college. I recall telling myself that I would focus on my health and overall happiness for the summer, so I would be in a positive, prepared mindset before going back to school in the fall.

I have been friends with Joey for years. We had mutual friends and always made an effort to stay in touch. A few weeks into being home for the summer, he asked to hangout. I didn't think a single thought about it. I was excited to catch up with an old friend who I hadn't seen in a while. We spent the day at the mall, eating and shopping at our favorite stores. We threw pennies in the fountain and made wishes before they hit the water. We laughed a lot, and had so much to talk about. We ran through the pouring rain across the parking lot to his car. Soon, we watched the rainbow shine across the sky in front of us. We took the long way home, and stopped at a local hamburger joint. We said our goodbyes and the day ended.

That day means a lot to me. It was one of the happiest days I had ever had. I was so happy to catch up with Joey and thought I would see him periodically throughout the summer. He gave me butterflies all day, without even realizing it. But I was wrong. He never left, by my surprise. The conversations we had turned into daily ones. We kept talking, sharing thoughts, goals, fears, and more. Slowly but surely, the guard I had put up was falling down. We found ourselves confiding in one another and unknowingly catching feelings.

I have spent the last few months with Joey. The way he makes me feel is indescribable. It comes out of nowhere when we are least expecting it, and I wouldn't change a thing. I wasn't looking for a relationship, and neither was he, but God sure was. He gave us the love we both deserve and will allow us to tackle anything together. I will always wonder how I got so lucky to finally be able to realize what love is.

Joey, thank you for being you.