I recently became engaged to the love of my life, although I am still a sophomore in college. Here are a few thoughts that I have had and responses to some reactions that I have gotten.

Most people think that relationships in college come and go, and that dating is for having someone to take to all of the parties and events on campus. Others, like myself, see dating as a search for a forever-love, and I have found him. So this is for you.

I knew that there was something special about you when I first met you. I've never really believed in love at first sight, but with you, I could almost believe it. From the day we met, I knew I wanted to be friends with you. As our relationship grew, I found myself falling in love with all that you were and all that you wanted to become.

We received several different responses to our engagement, most of which were positive and encouraging. I want you to know that, although there have been negative reactions to our decision, I have not questioned myself. I am confident in my love for you, and in your love for me.

Commitment is usually a difficult thing to find in college, with all of the opportunities and possibilities of finding something or someone better. I want to thank you for being committed to me and making it so easy for me to be committed to you. I never have to worry about who you are talking to or what you are doing when I am not around because of the trust that we have in our relationship.

I love that we can have such a serious relationship and still have fun with one another. There is not a day that goes by that you do not make me smile, even if I am stressed out about work or my classes (and now wedding plans). I know that I can depend on you to be there when I am at my worst, to pick me up and show me the brighter side of things.

We have shown one another our true selves, and learned to accept each other’s flaws. I take pride in the honesty that we can have with one another that makes our relationship strong. We have learned that we do not have to agree on every situation, as long as we agree to compromise in a way that works for both of us.

We have grown together in a way that makes me understand you. I understand your actions and your decisions without having to question your motives. We have taken the time to learn one another, and we continue to study one another. We have trusted each other with our secrets, with our pasts, and now with our futures.

So no matter what anyone else thinks or says, I know that we are ready for this.

I love you,

Your fiancee

P.S. I'm sorry if I become obsessed with wedding plans and go a little crazy for a while.