One of my biggest fears, when I started dating my current boyfriend, was meeting my significant other's family. What if they didn't like me? What if they thought their son was too good for me? What if I made a terrible first impression?

After being in a relationship for almost three years now, it's about time I say thank you to the family who has become like a second family to me.

My boyfriend's family made me feel welcome right away. I was automatically invited along to Friday night card games and looked at as part of the family. As time wore on, I was included in many traditions that have now become traditions to me as well, like his family Christmas party and decorating the tree with him and his mom.

Being around my boyfriend's family alone used to scare me, but it went from something I feared to something I loved. I found that I could talk to his mom for hours, which was always helpful when he had to respond to a call at the fire department and leave me at his house alone. His dad always has some new piece of trivia and cooks the best meals of anybody I know.

His grandparents taught me how to play pinochle and I look forward to Friday nights over break more than I do when I'm at school so I can play. At the annual Christmas party, of which this year will be my fourth year in attendance, I feel comfortable being left alone to talk to members of his extended family and introduce myself to the ones I've never met.

His mom sends me long messages filled with heart emojis every time I drive to and from school, wishing me a safe trip. We also sometimes talk on FaceTime for awhile when he leaves his room to go do something.

Thank you all for letting me take a member of your family and make him mine. I know it's hard sometimes, especially because we spend a lot of time together and I don't want you to feel like I stole him. But thank you even more for letting me become a member of a family I never knew I needed and will always cherish.

I feel blessed to have a second family instead of people I have to fear, like it seems to be in most relationships these days. I feel blessed to be a part of traditions and memories. But most of all, I feel blessed to know why my boyfriend is the way he is; he got to grow up in a loving family who reflects the wonderful heart of the man I love most.