To my girlfriend,

Before I met you, I had been in a couple other relationships--clearly neither ended well. I had started to think that I might not have any luck finding somebody that I could seriously love. Or rather, someone that could seriously love me.

But then I met you.

I didn't expect much to come of meeting you. You seemed perfectly content as you were, and I was basically just looking for friends to get me through college and hopefully remain friends for a long time. I thought "Wow, she's gorgeous", but I still didn't think anything would come from it.

But then we started talking.

Next thing I knew, we were staying up until ungodly hours of the night messaging each other on Facebook and texting. Sometimes at the same time! It was like we just couldn't get enough of each other. I had started to fall for you, but I didn't believe you were falling for me. How could I? I had felt like I had been led on multiple times before, two of those culminating in relationships that didn't even last a year.

But then we went on our first "date".

I asked you to go to a concert on campus with me. When you asked me how much you owed me, I said "None". You didn't want to accept that as an answer, but eventually you came around. At the concert, you tried to get me to hold your hand. I didn't pick up on your subtle hints at the time. I actually planned on asking you to be my girlfriend that night. I didn't because there were too many people around.

But then we went on a walk.

It was the night before homecoming, and we were planning on going for a walk around campus. Just the two of us. Your roommate's parents were in town, so you went out to dinner with them and your roommate. You told me that you weren't going to be back until late, so you understood if I didn't want to go for a walk anymore. I had told myself that I was going to ask you out that night, so we had to take a walk. I insisted that we go ahead with our plans when you got back, unless you were too tired. Around midnight, we were taking a walk.

Next thing I knew, we were sitting on a bench by the clock tower. I happened to glance up after a little while, and it was one in the morning! I had to ask before you decided to turn in for the night! So I did.

You said yes.

I look back at the way our relationship started, and it sounds a little lackluster. But it doesn't need to be some big spectacle. Super intriguing to others or not, it's our story.

Now look at us. Almost a year and a half later, and stronger than ever.

You have made me a better man. You have made me want to get out of bed in the morning so I can see you sooner. You have taught me true love. What it means to give it, and what it's like to receive it.

Every single day I sit and think about how badly I wish you could see what I see. Your beauty, passion, drive, humor, intelligence, desire, compassion, everything! You are amazing, and I never want you to forget that.

I love you.