I have learned so much from my significant other, in the past year. I have not only found an amazing boyfriend in college, but a best friend. With our anniversary coming up, I want to reflect on all the reasons why being in a long term relationship has better shaped me into who I am, today. Of course being in a relationship can have it's ups and downs, but I've found that it is truly the downs that strengthen not only your relationship, but your individual self. So here is a short letter to my one and only:
Dear P,
I can't believe that we are coming up on our first anniversary! It seems like just yesterday I came up to you at that party (I'll always make jokes about how I hit on you first). I have learned so much in the seemingly short time that we have been together; it kind of blows my mind. First off, you have taught me to always see the bright side of everything. When times get hard, you are always there to help me see the bright side of the situation. You help me maintain such an affirmative outlook on life in the long run. Whenever I start to freak out, you ground me. You have truly taught me to see the best in every situation, relentlessly. For this, I am so remarkably grateful.
Another prodigious lesson I have learned from you may sound cheesy, but it is so true, is how to love. You have taught me how to love someone more deeply than I've ever known. I have learned to love you for exactly who you are, every small thing that might slightly annoy me, at the end of the day, I love. How you hate to take pictures, so I have to find creative ways for you to participate, or how you absolutely despise watching The Kardashians. These little sacrifices may seem like nothing under a microscope, but in retrospect they all add up to a much bigger picture. At the end of the day, I end up falling more and more in love with you.
Another big lesson you have taught me is the point of being so reliably selfless. This is something that I have dealt with in previous relationships and is an issue that many people deal with as well. Some people are not always willing to sacrifice the amount you are for the good of the relationship. You always sacrifice more and more for me everyday, just as I do for you. However, you make it a point that it isn't really a sacrifice, it's building a life together. This is such an important lesson, because before you, I never knew what being truly selfless was. I always thought that at the end of the day people would choose themselves over you. You are not only a best friend or a boyfriend, but a partner.
Thank you truly for everything that you have taught me and continue to teach me every day, there's no other person in this world that I'd rather do this thing called "life" with. You are unlike anyone else out there and I am so glad that our souls found each other in this life. This adventure is far from being over, I can't wait to see what the future hold for us. Thank you for being my best friend, boyfriend, and partner. You have truly changed my life for the better.
Love,
D