Do you remember how we first began? To each other, we were nothing more than names-- maybe when we though of each other the only thing that came to mind was who we were friends with, what we were involved in, if we were considered popular or not. Time passed and all of our friends had changed, made different connections with different people, friend groups expanded and condensed; but somehow, in some way everything lined up perfectly for us to grow closer-- an imperfectly perfect path that would lead to the greatest source of joy I would ever know.

We quickly learned we fit together perfectly, like when you find that one piece of the puzzle that you were looking for to see the whole picture. However, at first it was nothing romantic; you were a person who my soul loved, yet my heart had not quite caught up. It is weird how I did not see that you were who I was meant to be with when you would protect me from anything that would cause me harm, you were there to always make me laugh, to always make me feel like I belonged, and you somehow knew exactly what I needed and how I wanted to be treated.

Then we were not on the same page, that is why we never figured it out. Now I know you loved me, even then, but you never acted upon it; and I was always looking for ways to show you that I loved you, but I did not know what I was truly doing. I was always grateful for your friendship, how genuine and pure it was, and I am still completely baffled how I did not understand the whole time you were the one I loved. I was not grateful for your friendship, but I was grateful in times when I needed hope and love you never failed. Looking back to times of happiness, I never realized you were always there. When I would laugh so hard my stomach hurt, you were alway the cause. When I would feel safe and protected in a scary situation, you were always there. It was always you, and I never noticed it.

When I finally did notice it, years later, when I finally realized you were the one that I was supposed to be with it was completely terrifying. What if these feelings could ruin the most perfect thing in my life? What if all of those feelings that you made me feel could vanish because I misread the situation? You were always the one that I turned to for everything: when I was incredibly happy or sad, scared or excited, when I needed a friend for comfort and when I needed a friend to celebrate with-- it was always you, and that could all go away. That is pure fear. I wanted to bottle it up and keep it inside, but I can remember sitting next to you and feeling such a strong urge to be closer to you, to hold your hand, to feel the physical support of my head on your shoulder. I could imagine what it would feel like if I actually did it, like when you have a food craving so strong that you could taste it.

I had always told you everything and keeping something so big from you felt unnatural and wrong because when I told you how I felt in the past, you always really listened and were completely honest with me. Maybe I was afraid of your honesty. I knew you better than anyone, yet I could not predict how you would react if I told you how I really felt. Was I being arrogant thinking you loved me all this time? Was I being over protective of my heart thinking you would not want it? When you finally validated how you felt and it matched my feelings, I once again felt that puzzle piece go into place.

Now, I still cannot imagine my life without you. Now, you are still the person that I turn to for everything. Now, we look back at the times when I was in the dark about my feelings and you did not want to act on yours we think about how stupid we were to not know how great life is with each other. However, If we were not hurt by others, betrayed, left heartbroken, and if we did not truly know sadness then we may not truly know happiness with each other. We may not know what it feels like to be so loved.

Yes, it was scary to fall in love with my best friend. I was afraid that if you did not feel the same as me then I could loose everything with us. However, if I could tell my fears the way I feel when you walk into a room and how I instantly feel safe and comforted then I would tell you in a heartbeat.

Falling in love with my best friend, is the greatest sensation that life has to offer. Knowing that someone loves me who understands me completely is pure joy. Being with your best friend means no games, no lies, no secrets, no pretending to be someone you are not, no expectations, no limits. Being in love with your best friend means that you have your puzzle all together, and now you can see the full picture-- what you future has to offer you with a constant support system by your side.

In times of darkness and sadness, without fail we will always calm down when we talk about our future. Nothing gives me more excitement than the thought of possibly being able to spend the rest of my life by your side. I cannot possibly imagine ever being happier with anyone else than I am with you. I cannot imagine feeling the way I feel in your arms with someone else. I cannot imagine the electricity that I have with you, with anyone else. I cannot imagine anyone knowing me and loving me the way you do, and I do not want anyone else to know me and love me the way you do.

You bring out the best in me. You bring out the adventure in my life. You make my crazy dreams seem achievable. You make me feel like I can do anything. You allow me to trust fully. You let me see the possibility of how wonderful life can be. You give me excitement. You showed me how to let love in. You became my other half.

I love you, best friend.