We met when we were in high school; I was a sophomore, and you were an all mighty junior.

I was a bit of what you would call reserved in high school, all without meaning to be. As a little girl, I watched my cousin go through those four years and waited with excitement for what I thought would be my own phase to discover boys, friends, parties (not until college, but nice try), and the beginning of a more liberating experience.

For those of you who may know me, I think it goes without saying that I ended up having no interest in what the teenagers in movies were doing; more specifically, I did not find myself fawning over boys and most importantly I didn’t find myself needing that aspect either. From then on, I always imagined I would meet someone in college and that would be that, no twists and turns here.

Then, I met you.

I was 15 at the time, and I couldn’t believe that someone as talented and sweet as you would bother to look my way. Mostly, I couldn’t believe that I was even capable of the butterflies that would erupt in my stomach when you gave me the time of day. I will always and forever be grateful for your presence in my life.

I didn’t know at the time how much I needed you, I didn’t know at the time that the boy across the hall who was too shy to talk to me was about to change my life. Four years of ups and downs have gone by, and still, I find myself blushing thinking about the cute boy who never failed to come up with anything just to talk to me.

Thank you for continuing to be here no matter what I put you through, thank you for being my anchor and supporting whatever it is that I decide to pursue. You have taught me so many things as my first love, you have taught me how to truly and wholeheartedly be myself, you have shown me what it’s like to love and be loved, and you have never given up on me and I can promise you that I will never give up on you.

As you embark on your senior year of college I want you to know that I will be here for you no matter wherever life takes you post-graduation.

I will always appreciate your morning kisses all over my face, the sweet voice you use when you’re cuddling me, the way you wipe away my tears when I’m crying, and the endless love and support you have provided me during our time together. I will never forget the little and not so little things you have done just to see me smile.

I will truly never find someone else who would feed my pug obsession and drive three hours just so I can play with pug puppies in a different state. Thank you for your patience, your generosity, your understanding and for never leaving me when I make myself difficult to be with. I love you and all that you do.