To the man I love next,

Thank you for allowing me to love you.

You should know, that this whole love thing isn’t exactly something I’m good at. Don’t get me wrong, I will love you unconditionally and I will give you my everything.

But, the thing is, the last time I was in “love” with someone, I don’t even think I was in love. I gave my whole self to someone, and in this process, I lost myself — somehow, I completely lost the person I was and let me tell you, that was quite scary.

Since this relationship, I have spent every day working on myself and making myself a better person. I am so happy with the person I have become and I think that’s why love is scary to me; because I don’t want to lose myself again.

And I don’t want to get hurt. I am scared; I am so scared to love.

But, know that you — the person I love next — are so special. I promised myself to not give my mind, body and soul to someone who doesn’t care again. And, it is so hard for me to open up to someone, so the fact that I felt comfortable enough to open up to you, says the world about you.

And, I don’t want this to be a sob story about me or you to think that you’re loving someone who is broken, because you aren’t. I am healed and I am whole. I am full of life and I am full of love.

I will give everything to you, without losing myself. Know that some nights, I am going to need to spend time with my girls and other nights, I’m not going to want anything but your attention. And, as much as I pride myself on my self-confidence, I am still insecure and you are going to see these insecurities. Thank you for dealing with them and thank you for dealing with me.

I promise to love you unconditionally. I can not wait to share this life with you and I can not wait to make memories with you.

I can not wait to share my deepest secrets with you, and I cannot wait to listen to yours.

I can not wait to drag you to Target with me, multiple times because Target really is the best time.

I know that neither of us are going to be perfect at this whole love thing and that's okay. I promise to work through every problem with you, no matter how difficult it is.

Thank you for showing me that it's okay to feel and thank you for allowing me to love again.