When I first met my boyfriend, I had no idea my life would change so drastically.

I moved to Clemson with a broken heart and did not intend to leave with one. Looking back, I had undoubtedly given up on the idea of "falling in love" with someone. After all, how in the world could I trust someone after I had been hurt before? Truthfully, I was happy. But, I was also sad. There was joy in my life, but I had knots in my stomach about giving up on love for good. It didn't feel right at all and it seemed like I was selling myself short. Still, though, I planned to endure it in order to protect myself from being hurt again. I guess that's the thing, I planned on it. And sometimes plans change.

It didn't take long for me to realize that being with my boyfriend would be different than being with anyone else. Nothing about him was routine unless we're talking about how often he brought me flowers or the gentleman that he was, and continues to be. From day one, he blew my mind. But of course, I was scared. Naturally, I did my best to push him away out of fear, but he was extremely persistent. And I thank God every day for that because that persistence is the reason that I get to have him by my side today. I knew that once I got in, there was no getting out. Not because I couldn't, but because I wouldn't want to.

Here we are, half a year later, and things are better than I imagined. I am so terribly in love with him, and I'm so lucky to be loved by him in return. The knots in my stomach are now butterflies. The ache in my heart has been replaced with this mushy-gushy, head-over-heels kind of love and my happiness is genuine again. I'm in love, and sure, everyone is right when they say it's difficult. But I'm so glad I get to do life with a guy who makes those difficulties worth working through. I'm so thankful for how gentle he is with my heart, and the way that he treasures me every day.

I will never stop being thankful for the fun dates you plan, the love you continuously show me, or the way that you encourage me. You truly have the sweetest, kindest, and most beautiful heart I've ever seen.

So even though this is easily the cheesiest thing I've ever written, I mean every word.

You are my greatest adventure, my best friend, and my favorite place to call home. I'm so glad to know a heart like yours.