In an age where dating takes place mainly on apps and seems to be contingent upon hook-ups, it is so easy to lose hope in boys. There have been multiple moments where I have wondered if any good guys are even out there because sometimes, even the good guys end up being not so great. Luckily I have been blessed to have some amazing men in my life that give me hope and show me that there are some men among the boys, this is for them.

Thank you. Thank you for loving me well, for seeing my heart and cherishing it. Thank you for always trying to guard my heart, even in the moments when I can't see or understand why you do what you do or ask of me what you ask. Thank you for holding me accountable, holding me to a higher standard, and expecting more from me. Thank you for confronting me and calling me out on my crap even when you know it will start a fight or make me upset with you.

Thank you for showing me what true love is. That love is not self seeking, that it does not seek to gain. For showing me that love is "a sacrificial commitment to be for the good of another" (Dustin Pearce). That love does not let you become stagnant in life but that love pushes you to grow and be better.

Thank you for setting the bar for whoever I date. For setting a standard that I will hold the boys in my life to. For showing me that my expectations are not "too much" and that there are men out there that will exceed them.

And to the guys out there that do and are all these things and more, but sometimes feel over looked or like nice guys finish last; I am sorry. But hang in there, keep on running the race and don't give up or lose hope. Someone needs a guy like you in their life regardless of if that need is romantic or platonic.