What happened that night would forever change me. We walked together, side by side toward the dorms. There was a blizzard outside and my jacket had previously been stolen at a fraternity party. So, he gave me his. That is the kind of person he is, selfless, and that inspires me every day. He claimed he wasn’t cold, but the color of his lips told me otherwise. We ran into the lobby of our dorm and warmed our bodies. Once his lips returned to their normal color, the most amazing thing happened. He kissed me and even though it wasn’t the first time, it felt different. His lips touched mine and I began to feel love. With every move closer to me, I felt love connecting between our bodies. Between kisses, I could see him smile, his eyes completely lit up. Nobody has ever looked at me the way he did. I could so clearly see the love in his eyes.

The day everything changed was a Saturday. 72 hours before, I made a mistake that I had made several times at the apartment complex next to my school. My mistake caused me to lose so much respect for myself, and made me realize how much I needed him. Something changed in me, I had never seen someone look at me with such love in their eyes. Whenever we were together, my mistakes ceased to matter. Worthlessness and emptiness were replaced with the invaluable feelings of need and appreciation. The worst thing I ever did was think I wasn’t worthy enough to be loved by him. This boy loved me, despite my imperfections and insecurities. I knew that I could trust him, and his embrace made me feel safe and loved. We connected like I never had before, with more passion and security than I had ever felt. I told him about my mistake, and after a heartbreaking fight he forgave me. He saw something between us, a love stronger than either of us had ever felt. I had always been worthy of being with him, something he knew long before I. Despite my mistake, he forgave me and we spent the most amazing weekend together. I quickly realized that being together worked so well and I had never been surer about what I wanted. I wanted him, I wanted to be his.

So that’s exactly what I did. I asked him to be mine. I didn’t want to ease into anything. I wanted to be his girlfriend, now! Then I did something that would change me forever. I asked him out. Since the words, “we should, like, be together,” left my mouth I have not stopped smiling. Almost four months later, I am still smiling. Even though life isn’t perfect, I can have perfection because of him. I asked him out because I was sick of games, sick of wondering if he will call or if I should I text him first. Now, I have the love and respect of the most amazing man I have ever met. I leave all my fellow college girls with this lesson; Do not be afraid to go after what you want. I asked out my best friend, a choice that changed my entire life. I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for us.