Dear Boyfriend,

I tell you all the time that I love you. I always kiss you goodnight. I try to be the best girlfriend I can be. After four and a half years of dating, I know that you know I love and appreciate you, but I never have really gone into full depth. Dearest boyfriend, here are my top 14 things to thank you for.

1. Thank you for being my largest emotional support system.

I am mentally struggling. You know it, I know it. However, I cannot thank you enough for being there and letting me cry on your shoulder while you are there ready with a big bear hug for me. You keep me going and give me hope. You have seen me at my worst, and still think I am an amazing and strong woman. Your advice and consolation is always very reassuring, gives me the trust to go on and that everything will be okay. I honestly do not know where I would be if it were not for you.

2. Thank you for being my biggest fan.

Coming to all of my important events, such as my theater and music performances. It is always very comforting seeing you in the audience, front row, cheering me on.

3. Thank you for our spontaneous adventures.

We both know I am an extremely random person sometimes, and I have my outbursts of "let's go to the arcade!" or, "you know, we should go bowling, like, right this second," and you just reply with "sure, works for me, let's go!" You are awesome.

4. Thank you for being a gentleman.

You treat me with more respect than anyone else does. You would never make me do anything that I am uncomfortable with. When we have our differences, you always respect my opinion, and always try to see my side of the situation, instead of putting me down for it.

5. Thank you for believing in me and helping me achieve my goals.

I am extremely nervous about going away to finish up college, away from home. The way that you encourage me about how well I will do and how wonderful of an experience it will be for me is very calming. While everybody else is telling me to "stop being nervous," and "there is nothing to be nervous about," you just understand me, and give me the positive encouragement.

6. Thank you for not giving up on me...

even when I give up on myself.

7. Thank you for dealing with my mood swings and occasional bad attitude.

When it is that time of the month, and I am an emotional, miserable wreck, it is nice that you will just lay in bed with me and watch a good movie. Or even when it is just a bad day for me, thank you for not taking anything I say personally, because it isn't.

8. Thank you for listening to me and letting me vent.

Whether it is me rambling about my stupid girl problems, or just me telling you about how awful, or good, my day was, I always know that you are all ears.

9. Thank you for putting me first.

It's amazing to know that I am your first priority out of anyone. And, also, for making sacrifices for me, you're the best.

10. Thank you for our serious talks, allowing me to stress-cry, and stress eat, and not giving two cares.

11. Thank you for raising my confidence (even though I don't have much of one myself).

It is truly amazing that you think I am extremely beautiful even when I wake up in the morning with bed-head and smeared makeup, or when I am sick and feel like garbage.

12. Thank you for watching chick flicks, Disney movies, and crappy home makeover shows with me.

13. Thank you for your sensitive side.

This may as well be my all time favorite quality of yours. You are very open minded, and accept everybody for who they are. You never trash-talk anyone or point out people's flaws because you understand that everybody has them. Also, it really is super cute when we see a small child in public and you give me that look of "look at that adorable little kid!"

14. Thank you for being you, my best friend.

I do not know what I would do without you in my life. I love you.