So many people walk in and out of our lives. You experience new friendships, new enemies and new relationships. I have always been the type of person who stays in their comfort zone. I hate change. I hate putting myself out there for the opportunity to be let down or hurt because that's what my past has given me. However, I decided to take the leap of faith and put everything on the table in my current relationship, and I am so glad I did. I have learned so much about myself, all thanks to one person.

First of all, I like to be in control. I get it honestly (sorry, Mom). If I don't know what's going on or if there is a surprise (I absolutely despise surprises) and I don't know every detail of it, I freak out. However, my current relationship has taught me that things don't always go my way. Sometimes, my boyfriend IS right about whatever discussion we're having, regardless of my persistent denial of his accuracy. Sometimes, he likes to surprise me and make me get those jittery, butterfly-like feelings in my stomach and keep things from me to make them all the more special. I've learned that just because he isn't giving me what I want doesn't mean that he doesn't care about me.

Secondly, my current relationship has taught me to always look on the bright side of things. I like to think of myself as a pretty optimistic person, but I am human, and that means that I do tend to think of the worst possible option on occasion. My boyfriend always makes sure that I don't get down about whatever stressful situation I am in and always tries to make me see the good in everything, even when I think my world is caving in and I just want to give up. His optimism and affection for making me see that everything happens more a reason has made me a happier and even more optimistic person, and for that, I am beyond thankful.

Third, my current relationship has taught me that material items DO NOT MATTER. I'm not going to lie — I used to be the type of person who wouldn't be caught dead wearing something that wasn't name brand or the most expensive thing I could find. If I didn't get the certain dress or shoes I wanted, I would say I was grateful, but deep down, I was peeved. With us both being broke college kids, I have learned that I would rather spend an entire Sunday watching every episode of "Game of Thrones" and eating Taco Bell a million times more before I would ever want to go on a shopping spree or to a fancy dinner date the night before. He has taught me to be more selfless and appreciate the little things.

Next, my current relationship has taught me (even though I hate to admit it) that my sarcasm has finally met its match. I consider myself one of the many sass-masters of the world and thought that there was no one who could ever match me at my own game. However, my boyfriend not only matches me, but does it better (hopefully he doesn't read this article, though, because I will never live this confession down if he does). The fact that we can sit and have an entire conversation while not believing one thing the other is saying is something that has shown me that everything doesn't have to be so serious all the time. It's perfectly acceptable to poke a little fun at each other and just enjoy one another's company.

Lastly, my current relationship has taught me that I can be myself without having to worry about impressing someone. I have always been the type of person who, when it comes to relationships, doesn't want to say the wrong things, act the wrong way or do anything that turns the other person away. Now, I know that it's OK to say what's on my mind and act as weird and goofy as I want to, because he is just as weird and goofy as I am (if not more than — sorry, babe). Having someone you can just enjoy every day with, without always having to be on your toes all of the time, is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.

There are so many more things that I could list that my current relationship has taught me about myself, but I'll spare you all the effort of reading an additional 1,000 words and leave you with this: Find someone who allows you to open yourself up to all of these things and embraces your every quirk and flaw. I know I have, and I couldn't be any more grateful for him.