When it comes to finding "the one" most people expect him or her to be someone they have never met, or at least expected. I never would have expected that my "Prince Charming" is someone that I had considered to be one of my best friends, someone I have known for seven years.

I met Joey when I was in the seventh grade and we have been friends since. He has been there for me in some of my worst days and has not ceased to stop. He told me that he liked me throughout High School, but he never had the chance to date me. I had been dating one of his ex best friends at the time, and even though him and I broke up a few times, the opportunity never arose. But when he and I broke up for good this summer, by the end of July, Joey and I began dating.

I shocked myself that I was dating one of my best friends. It felt somewhat awkward because I didn't know how to feel about dating him, but it felt less awkward than dating somebody I hardly knew anything about. Yet, dating Joey has been the best dating decision I have made. He does everything I have always wanted while being in a relationship; he sings songs to me, takes me out on dates, has bought me flowers, given me his sweatshirt, and most importantly: spends time with me.

Time was something I never really got in my last relationship, so trusting that someone would actually spend time with me was scary. But I find the fact that I have fallen in love with one of my best friends since seventh grade amazing. Joey loves me as much as I love him, treats me like a princess, and is always there for me whenever I need him. And that is everything I have always wanted in someone who I would spend my life with.

Even though it took me 20 years, heartbreaks and all, to find "the one" I am never taking for granted how happy it has made me since. Our relationship is definitely not perfect, but no relationship ever will be. It may take you more time or it may have taken you less time, but there is somebody you are destined to be with. So if you are looking to date someone who you are close to, or unsure about dating someone who is close to you, I say go for it! Because you never know if your Prince Charming or princess Snow White has been right in front of you the whole time.