When I first started writing for The Odyssey, I told myself that I was never going to write about my special person. It's not because I didn't want to. It's also not because I have something against those that do - I think writing an article about the one you love is very thoughtful. I've just always wanted my words to be a bit more original with my very own perspective on whatever it is I choose to talk about. However, I became so stumped on what my next topic would be that I stopped and thought to myself, when my work comes from my heart, that is when I am most satisfied with it, and in the end, I hope it touches the heart of another. So, without further ado, I'd like to write this piece for my amazing girlfriend.

Dear my love,

You know, I honestly don't know where to begin.

Actually, I think I'll begin with the days before I met you.

For starters, I have never really been good with my own self-esteem. In the months before I met you, I had opened a new chapter in my life. I started my college career at the school I was eager to attend for almost an entire year. While it was off to a good start (I made Dean's List and met plenty of people), I was kind of lonely at times. I knew I had people I could go to and talk to - I just didn't know exactly what was wrong. I think really, I just wasn't feeling much love. I know there are people out there who care, but my low amount of confidence in myself may have been getting to me a little too much.

It was one Friday afternoon, when I was just casually watching YouTube videos on my phone and eating my breakfast at one of my school's dining halls. Suddenly, my device vibrated and I received a Facebook message from you just saying hello. I knew I wasn't too familiar with you at the time; we had a few mutual friends, and I may have even hung out with you and/or talked to you at least once, but I knew you weren't someone I knew all too well. I found it kind of random that you were suddenly talking to me. Nonetheless, we chatted for a little while, and I could tell we were interested in each other's lives. When we discovered we were actually only a few minutes away from each other, that's when we decided to formally meet, grab some coffee (loving coffee was one of the first things we knew we had in common) and keep getting to know each other.

It was from that point on that so many things began to change. We clicked so well. On top of our coffee obsessions, we touched upon our liking for ice cream and many favorite foods, rock music, car rides, walks on the beach, roller coasters, and superhero movies. Everything was just working so well. We hung out with each other a few more times, and soon enough, we began dating. My overall happiness enormously improved and I gained hope that someone finally sees something in me that I can believe in.

Do you remember all of this? I most certainly do, and quite frankly, I will never forget it.

I can't thank you enough for everything you have given me. There's no doubt that I'm not perfect and mistakes will always come out of me - I came to terms with this a long time ago. But nonetheless, you have chosen to take me as I am. You are one of the few people in my life who I can say has accepted every part of me and loved me for me. You chose to give me a chance to make you happy and you've always appreciated every effort I've made to do so.

I don't think I've ever told you this, but everything about you is beautiful. Your little laugh could brighten up anyone's day. I could gaze into your eyes and never look away. I think it's so cute how the first thing you always do when you get in my car is brush your hair, even though it's always fine the way it is. I absolutely hate when you cry and/or get upset, but I think even that has its own beauty in showing how much you care. Every time you tell me you love me, I feel reassured.

Even though going back to college is approaching and we are going to be a bit further away from each other then we'd like to be, I have a feeling that we will be okay. We've had our rough patches, but look how far behind we put them. We are strong as a couple and I believe we can make it through so many different kinds of obstacles. And, you should never forget that I will always be there to support you no matter what part of the world I'm in.

Thank you for making me a stronger, happier, and better person.

I love you Shaelynn Rose Costello.