Thank you for not being ready to grow up. I mean this in the most genuine way possible. Your reluctance to commit and inability to mature helped me grow. I have learned so many valuable lessons from each and every one of you. I owe you for my high standards.

I know things now that I wouldn't know if it weren't for you. I know the difference between love and lust. I know the difference between having someone care about my mind and having someone care about my body. I know the difference between good intentions and bad intentions. I know the difference between a mistake and a repetitive behavior. I know a sincere apology when I hear one. I know all of this because of you.

Boys taught me that everything they weren't was everything that I wanted in a man. I want someone who not only hears what I have to say, but someone who listens. I want someone who has drive. I want someone who believes in themselves, and knows their worth. I want someone who knows the importance of fun and the importance of work, and can balance the two. I want someone who expects the best from me, someone who pushes me to do the things I'm scared to. I want someone who will be able to take care of me, but knows that I can take care of myself. I want someone who respects the woman I am, and who sees the potential in the woman I can be.

My father raised a girl who should always expect the best in a man, but who should always be a little skeptical. I couldn't expect a boy to be a man when I wasn't ready to be a woman. I had to experience the boys and heartbreak to become a woman who won't accept anything less than what I deserve.

Thank you to all of the boys who have shown me the difference between boys and men. I can't wait for the day that you are able to be men for some very lucky women.