From a stranger, to my best friend, to my boyfriend. That's how our path began.

You can always feel when someone is going to be a big part of your life, and I had this feeling, except I thought it would be only as a friend.

We both had a feeling one or the other may have felt more and, to be honest, it was me. Now he knows that, but then I made sure it was kept a secret. I didn't want anyone to know I had a crush on him. Yes, he was pretty well known, and, no, I was not.

Since the summer after 8th grade this boy has changed my life. I am sure many can attest to what I mean, too. Some girls have that one guy friend who is always flirty around her and jokes around with her. That was him for sure. He would never stop bothering me...ever. He still doesn't, but it's the type of annoyance that you love. When you're friends you just laugh it off..unless he tickles me. I hate that.

He was one of my only friends back then and is so special to me now. He has helped me through schoolwork (specifically math), friend problems, and, honestly, just life in general. When I am angry I know I can always count on him to just shut up and listen to me rant for however long I want. Then when I'm done he tells me, "Everything's going to be okay. Relax." No matter what the situation is, he always tells me it's going to be okay. I hate to say this, but 99.9% of the time, he is right (I never tell him because he'd never shut up about it).

I am thankful to have someone like him. He can be serious, of course, but joking around with each other is the best. We mess with each other more than anything. We still treat each other like best friends, and that is the best. Dating your best friend is the only way people should go.

We have survived three years of high school together, and we intend on surviving the rest of life together. If we can survive high school, I believe anything is possible. High school has brought us nothing but drama. Rumors, jealously, you name it, and we have been through it. Yes, it was all uncalled for, but, in the end, it has made us stronger. Every relationship needs a little tackling sometimes. Just like in football, you can't get aggressive yourself unless someone, whether your coach or a player, roughs you up first. Not everything or not everyone is perfect, and our relationship is far from it. My relationship with my boyfriend does not need to be anyone else's business, so we know better than to let anyone else's opinions stand as obstacles.

We have made it through a lot and intend to make it through much more. I am thankful for who I have and how he has been apart of the group of people who have helped me become who I am today.

Alex is my love, and he means the absolute world to me. From strangers in the halls, to each others' crushes, now in a relationship. We are happy and that's all that matters. Alex and I will see where life takes us.

Every girl should find themselves an "Alex".