Ten months ago I was in a rough spot when it came to my love life. I entered college telling myself l wouldn’t even consider dating until after first semester. But I soon found myself caught up in the romantic jitters that come along with the beginning of college. There’s the perception that you’ll meet the love of your life in college. And I hopped on that bandwagon pretty fast. I got myself involved with guys whom I just met and made some great mistakes that I regret to this day. I was in a very bad spot where I believed any guy could make me feel loved. I ended up hurt and involved with the wrong people. But God soon pulled me away from one toxic relationship to only provide the most loving relationship I’ve ever experienced.

So here’s to my boyfriend who was and is the best blessing I could ever ask for…

Thank you for being my best friend. You have become the person I tell anything to. The one person I can completely confide in. You can somehow pull me out of my worst moods — no one else can do that. You make me smile when all I want to do is cry.

Thank you for loving me when I feel unlovable and have lost any confidence in myself. And thank you for telling me I’m beautiful when I feel anything but. You’re the one person who has made me feel beautiful with no makeup, disheveled hair, and baggy sweats on.

Thank you for believing in me and pushing me out of my comfort zone. You give me the confidence to do anything I set my mind to. You have convinced me to work hard and never give up, even when all hope is lost.

Thank you for always protecting me and putting my safety first. Your embrace is my one safe place.

Thank you for dealing with my craziness, although it may drive you insane, and for putting up with my mood swings. Thanks for understanding and not walking out when I am in no way compliant.

Thank you for being willing to go on any adventure I want to go on. And thank you for always dancing with me.

Thank you for always getting me ginger ale when my stomach hurts and letting me sleep an extra half an hour when you know I should be getting up from my nap. You take such good care of me.

Thank you for talking through things when we have a disagreement and never leaving each other until things are fixed. You always want to work things out and you never get mad.

Thank you for all the gifts from the heart and the dates that create lasting memories. And thanks for always sharing your sweaters.

Thank you for pointing me towards the Lord, helping me with my faith, and reminding me that God is enough and He will provide.

You always know what to say and do. Thank you.

You made me believe in love when I thought love was a lost cause. You have taught me what love truly is — caring for someone so much that you put their life before yours. I finally understand all the love songs and movies. Although our love is not perfect, it’s ours. There are ups and downs, agreements and disagreements. But love is full of adventure and learning. A relationship needs effort, commitment, and care. You need to give what you have in order to get. And you need to love yourself so you can love another.

So, my dear boyfriend, thank you for changing me and changing my life. You only make me a better person. I look forward to learning and loving more and more, each day with you by my side.