I noticed an interesting change when I transitioned from high school to college. In high school, boys were just boys. Yes they were mean at times, but I never, ever felt genuinely hurt by a boy. When I came to college, suddenly that all changed. Maybe it is the new overwhelming experience overall, or it is just the specific guys I decide to associate with, but I soon came to realize, to my absolute shock, that guys can be genuinely mean and downright cruel to girls. It is almost ridiculous how many times my friends or I felt completely disrespected by a guy- something that would have never happened in high school. The sad part is, I am now entirely surprised when I find myself in the presence of a genuinely nice boy who would never intentionally hurt me.

So I am writing this letter to personally thank every guy I am so lucky to have met who is genuinely a kind, good person and actually respects females in this crazy environment that is college.

Thank you to the guys who have called me beautiful- not other certain adjectives that made me feel like an object- but the guys who have complemented my smile or my eyes- you never fail to leave me speechless.

Thank you to the guys who have held doors open for me just because, showing me that chivalry is actually not dead.

Thank you to the guys who have asked how my day is, genuinely caring how I am feeling that day, or have actually sat there and listened to me talk about myself.

Thank you to the guys who have not blatantly expected anything more from me than my simple presence.

Thank you to the guys who have made sure I got home safely that night, or let me borrow their sweatshirt when it was cold out just because its the nice thing to do.

Thank you to the guys who talk about their mother or their sisters with complete admiration, respect, and love - thank you for sharing that side of you with me.

Thank you to the guys who have actually asked me out to dinner or a movie, and not simply expected me to just come over to their place at their convenience.

Thank you to the guys who can actually hold a conversation without taking it too far, and thank you to the boys who can not get angry at hearing the word no.

Thank you to the guys who have respected my time and space when I needed it, and not expected everything to be their choice.

Thank you to guys who have not played with my feelings at their own amusement just because they knew they could.

Thank you to the guys who have reminded me of the first boy I ever loved.

Thank you to the guys who have made me feel genuinely happy, and have made me fall asleep at night with a smile on my face.

Thank you to all the guys who sincerely know being nice is what will get you the girl.

College has taught me to not waste time on a boy who isn't kind- because no one deserves that. The nice guys do get noticed, and I am noticing you all now more than ever.