We all get to that point in our life where we are looking for that one person to “love,” and some may want this sooner than others.

For me, high school was one giant roller coaster, and I made some mistakes just like any other teenager my age. It was time for senior year, and I had my mind made up that I would not be in a relationship. I had completely made up my mind about this (or so I thought) being that I was about to head off to college and there really was no point of putting my time into something to be let down or better yet let go of once the school year was over. It was when I wasn’t looking for love that I actually found it, and that was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Just like any love story, it starts off with being nervous to see that one person, so you have to make sure your appearance is the best it could be ALL the time. Then it turned into not wanting to be annoying and text them 24/7 when really that was the only person you had the desire to talk to. For me, I was still making sure that my guard was up, and I couldn’t fall into something so easily without being sure… but this time I was sure that this was the person I had wanted to be with. This was the person I needed to be with, and I could care less what people thought of about getting into a relationship this late into high school.

The beginning stages of what we call “talking” but basically is dating without the real title were the stages that led up to what would be the biggest question I was asked throughout high school.. the “Will you Thalia Torano-Aviles (yes I know I have a long Spanish name, I blame my parents for this) be my girlfriend?” And it was in that instant that the word YES rolled off my tongue so fast because of the excitement I had finally felt.

I was so happy and at peace finally with my life, I wasn’t dealing with someone who would screw me over and mess with my feelings. I was dealing with someone who was real. As the months went by, I began to grow out of the lust stage.

For those who don’t know the difference between lust and love... here it is, you see.. when you lust for someone you look forward to seeing their name pop up on your phone, or that Instagram notification that they just liked your selfie in which you spent 20 minutes trying to take. That is lust, but when you love someone which is what was growing on me, you find yourself wanting to do more for them than you would yourself, it’s that type of feeling that is indescribable and still is to this day, a year later.

Love is such a strong word and when I first thought of saying it, I knew it was real and meant to be. I started to love this person, and adore every single aspect about them. From the freckles on his face to those light brown eyes. Everything about him I loved. It was insane to think that he could be so perfect, and it was in that instant that I found myself loving what became to be my best friend ever (and still is to this day 365 days later).

And for that I say thank you to my best friend and my lover all in one, who made and still is making such a huge impact on my life. I love you always and forever, Elvis Velez Jr.