I must say, I feel a bit exposed and vulnerable writing this because I keep my relationship exceptionally private, but you deserve this. You are my rock, my safe harbor, my motivation, my happy place and so much more. The list is truly infinite. I consider myself to be one of “the lucky ones." I don’t know a lot of females my age that can say they are this fortunate and secure in their relationships as we are. The flame to my candle, the water to my ocean, the ink to my pen. We compliment each other in the most ideal way. I want to thank you for everything you are to me, to us.

Thank you first and foremost, for your patience. Not many people could put up with all that you do when it comes to me. I’m pretty sure my mom has told you this a time or two...Thanks, Mom. From waiting tolerantly while I sift through outfit after outfit, complaining how I have no clothes, to the point where I end up wearing yoga pants and your flannel to circling the block three times just to figure out what I’m in the mood to eat. That takes a special kind of someone in my opinion.

Thank you for letting me be my own person. I consider myself to be one of those folks that is always trying to “find” herself. Never once have you rushed me or pushed me to be something I wasn’t. You help me understand that all good things come with time and maybe I’m one of those people that need a little extra time. When I’m tough on myself about it, you’re right there to remind me of this very thing. All of my irrational ideas and abstract ways of looking at life never get dismissed by you. You try to understand where I’m coming from. Your open mind inspires me everyday.

Thank you for your kindness. Let’s face it, I’m in school, juggling internships, I have two part-time jobs and we have our own place together. The struggle gets slightly real at times. When I’m hitting my wits end and just possibly every nerve in my body is wracked, I come home to a vase full of gorgeous fresh flowers. Having dinner ready is never out of the question. You know how to turn any stressful day around to make it feel brand new.

Thank you for inspiring me. To be carefree, to be happy about everything and to just have a good time with whatever we do. Your attitude about life is something I envy and incessantly hope to achieve. You show me that things do not have to be as complicated as they appear; that maybe it is just as easy as it seems to be.

All of the words written on this page could never amount to what it feels like to have you by my side. Through the good and bad, the highs and lows. Through it all, you have me and I have you. I love you.