"So do you have a boyfriend yet?" The inevitable question of the year.

You just have to fake a smile and shake your head no, even though inside, you are thoroughly confused. You start to question yourself and this guy for that matter. I mean, you are "talking" to someone, but not quite dating.

What does that even mean? "Talking" to someone?

Of course you're going to talk to the guy before you rush into the stage of dating, get to know each other and make sure it's what you both actually want.

Then a few weeks go by, months... it may even get to the point of a year or hopefully not, but multiple years. But no, still just "talking."

You do all the things an official couple would do. He takes you to the movies, pays for dinner for two. The two of you may carve pumpkins together, or decorate the family Christmas tree. He's your go to person, to watch dumb Netflix documentaries and make up a bowl of popcorn with. He's your go to person, the one person you can always count on no matter what. To come over at any time of the day, whatever day. After a long day of school or work, he'll be there to just sit on the sofa, cuddle and squeeze a few laughs out of you.

Still just "talking."

He talks to solely you and no one else. It's the same deal on your end. You may worry, since you two aren't "dating." What if he actually is talking to another girl? Is that why we aren't dating yet? Don't fret. There's actually some benefits to this.

To the guy I'm talking to,

I would like to thank you.

After getting out of some nasty relationships, my trust in guys is down the drain. This whole "talking" concept makes our "relationship" move a lot slower, and smoothly, for the most part

Yes, we fight, usually over pointless things but we get over it. Couples are going to fight, no doubt. It's not like that can be avoided, relationships are by no mean a perfect reality.

I love going to all of your hockey games. Yes anyone could attend the hockey games. The difference is, when I go, I feel special. Like you actually want me to be there. Then after, whether you win or lose I get to hear you rant about the entire game, start to finish, locker room and all. I love it.

No, we aren't officially dating. I'd still consider you my "go to" person though. I look forward to your texts every day, your random phone calls. You've made your way into my daily routine. I can't really imagine my daily routine without you. Who else would I tell my pointless stories to? Yes, I have my girlfriends, but the reactions I get out of you are 100 times better. Even if you don't understand my stories, you pretend to and I can not thank you enough for that.

So, to the guy I'm talking to, I thank you. Thank you for whatever we are and whatever we may become. Thank you for not rushing things, since being a girl, I may have wanted to rush into dating. This whole situation changed my mindset on "dating." Yes, I would love to date, to make it official. After all, it really is only a title. For now though, you are 110% enough. I thank you for being my go to person and best friend, even when we fight.

Thank you,

From,

The girl you're "talking to."