There are many scenarios I've heard that claim dating your best friend is a terrible idea. No questions asked. If you break up, not only do you lose your partner, but you also lose your friend. I accepted this risk, and if I'm being completely honest, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Flashback a couple of years ago: I was in terrible shape. I was severely depressed as I had just gone through a horrible breakup. I had no idea the breakup was coming, and it was also really close to my birthday and the beginning of summer. The only reason I survived this horrible time in my life was my friends. They supported me and made sure I knew I didn't have to go through this alone. My best friend would always talk me down when I got really upset. He never told me I was overreacting or needed to get over it. He just listened. His caring heart and support later caused me to fall for him. He had been hiding feelings for me for quite a while but didn't want to say anything until he knew I was ready. He wanted me to be fully comfortable with him and this new part of our relationship.

I won't lie, dating your best friend is pretty weird at first. The first time you kiss, it's almost certainly going to feel awkward. This is normal. Of course it's going to be odd kissing someone new, especially someone you thought you already knew everything about.

Being friends with someone before dating takes away a lot of the fear of dating. You know their secrets, mannerisms and embarrassing stories. You know about their previous relationships. It might seem boring to not have all of the information to find out, but it was quite the opposite in my situation. Because I already knew some of the basics about him already, I was able to get to know him at a deeper level with this part of our relationship. It was exhilarating.

Another great thing about dating your best friend is that you know how they treat SO's. You know that there won't be awkwardness when it comes to getting to know their personality because you already know them. Dating is a lot different than friendship, of course, but being in a relationship requires being able to work together, and friends already can do that.

I didn't write this article to tell you that dating your best friend is a great idea. I didn't write this article to persuade you to date your best friend. I wrote this because I wanted to share my story and let you know that just because it doesn't always work in the movies doesn't mean it won't work out in real life. Friends can go from being just friends to dating. I am head over heels in love with my best friend. We can goof off and have so much fun together. We can also go on dates and do corny stuff together. It's pretty great.

P.S. Matthew, happy one year anniversary. Thanks for being my best friend and partner. I love you. <3