When my boyfriend of nearly three years and I started dating, I never ever thought he'd be my best friend. I always thought, how ridiculous? He's supposed to be my lover and confidant, but no one could make me laugh or feel like myself the way my best friend did, not even my boyfriend.

Honestly, it took well over a year, maybe even almost two years to realize my boyfriend really is my best friend. He makes me laugh like no one else can. Sure, my best friend can do that too, but when I'm enjoying myself with my boyfriend, there's a special feeling I get--butterflies, I suppose you could call them. It makes me feel like a carefree little girl again. As if I have no worries, no responsibilities. There's a sense of innocence, tenderness, and belonging there.

Trust me, if you're in love, really head-over-heels in love, you know what I mean. I'm not talking about infatuation or giddiness. I'm talking about real, intense love. The kind people warn you about--the kind they say "when you know, you know."

People always ask me how is it that I still get butterflies even after a nearly three-year relationship. It's easy. He makes me feel like the only one in the world and always reassures me how beautiful I am, even on my worst days. It's not just that, he knows every part of who I am and still gets up every day and chooses me, despite my flaws and insecurities.

Don't get me wrong. Relationships aren't the easiest in the world. It takes persistence, dedication, and a whole lot of patience. But it's also very rewarding. We've grown a lot together, and individually as well. I think the key to friendship in a relationship is learning that you're on the same team, that you need to build each other up and conquer the world together. What a better way to conquer the world than with your best friend?

Waking up next to my best friend every day really is the best thing in the world. I don't care what anyone says, love is so worth the climb, the trial, the error, the struggle. Love is so worth it when you find the right one. So, to everyone who still hasn't found the right one, I promise you will. Keep searching and never give up.