Being in a relationship changes you as a person. I am a better person now because of the relationship I have with my boyfriend. I'm a better person than I was before we were dating. I like to think that our relationship is special. Both of us thinking "let's start dating three months before we both go away to college!" Was that the smartest idea on our part? Who knows. I mean we're still dating two years later, so maybe it was. No, it's not the easiest thing in the world. Actually, it's really, really hard to be 4 and a half hours apart. But just like everything else, we make it work. Many times during the school year, I am able to reflect on my relationship. It's not the easiest thing in the world being in a long distance relationship. A lot of times arguments occur over miscommunication. Then there're the fights and you feel even worse because you can't see the person to talk it over with. But then there's the excitement of getting to visit them at their school or having them come home. During the time I'm able to think about my relationship, I've realized that I don't say thank you to my boyfriend enough. Here're some things I want to thank you for.

1. Thank you for pretending you want to workout, walk, hike and run with me.

I know you really don't want to and that you don't want to upset me, so you go with me anyways. It's quality time together, right?

2. Thank you for loving Chipotle just as much as I do.

Our first date was to Chipotle and we've had hundreds of Chipotle dates after that. No one else I'd rather share guacamole with!

3. Thank you for listening to my stories.

I know my stories aren't that great and most of the time it's just me rambling, but you sit like a champ and listen. I mean even the head nods that you're "agreeing" and "listening" make it even better.

4. Thank you for letting me cry every year when we both head back to school.

You'd think that after two years I wouldn't be a cry baby about us being apart anymore, but that'll happen every time until we aren't apart.

5. Thank you for supporting me in everything I do.

You're always there with a helping hand and just want me to succeed. I know it might be annoying when I ask "what should I do?", but know it means a lot that you're always there helping me.

6. Thank you for standing by my side through some of the hardest times.

Since our relationship began we were put through some unbelievable things. Having you by my side through all of these tough times really has helped me.

7. Thank you for always making me laugh (with the occasional eye roll.)

You just might be the funniest person I know and I'm so glad you can always make me laugh. Sometimes I don't know where you think of some of the things you say, but it's always so funny.

8. Thank you for being so great with my family.

You fit in perfectly with the MacDougall's. I mean hey, you work for my dad so I think that's fitting. But having you come over and hang out with my family, stay for dinner, and sometimes helping out with my dad and brothers around the house really means a lot. I love knowing that you're comfortable with my family and that you make my home your second home.

9. Thank you for treating me so well.

You were raised a gentleman and I am so lucky for that. I think it's pretty cool that you still open car doors for me. There's not many left like you. Glad I snatched you up when I did! :)

10. Thank you for being my best friend.

You truly are my best friend. I can always count on you, I can tell you everything and I know you'll always be there. You're pretty great if I do say so myself.

Here's just a few thank you's. Trust me there's many more.