Dear Future Husband,

Hey, it's me. Your wife when she was 17. Before I start, just know that I love you. Anyway, here's some things I hope you remember to do before we get married:

Be kind to your family. After all, they're the ones that raised you. They're the ones that love you and support you throughout it all. If, for some reason, you've had a bad experience with your family life, I hope you don't give up on the idea of finding love and happiness with a family you can call your own.

Put forth effort in school. Effort is so attractive. I’m not saying you have to be a straight-A student or a neuroscientist, but try to aim to be successful for yourself. Not anyone else. Don't do it for the money, do it because it's what you love.

Remember to try to help someone with everything you do. Don’t do everything for personal gains. There are so many people in this world that could use your help.

Follow your dreams. You want to be a pro athlete? Then go out there, practice like crazy, and make yourself proud. Don't let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Work for what you want. You have to believe in yourself and your dreams. I'm so proud of you already.

Do what makes YOU happy. You have got to stop making decisions based off what other people think of you. No matter where you are in life right now, don't be afraid to do something that makes you happy. People are going to judge you. People aren't going to like you. That's life, hun. Just be happy and do what you love. I’m going to love you so much for that.

Please, don't give up on the idea of love. In this life, we’re going to experience so much heartache. It’s inevitable. Someone is going to break your heart. You're going to lose someone you love dearly. Someone is going to leave you even though they promised that they never would. Just don't give up on the idea that someone is going to fall so hard in love with you, because they will - I will. In the meantime, live each day like there’s no tomorrow. Fall in love. Fall out of love. Remember that God loves you more than anyone in this world every could. I can't wait to fall in love with you.

Be kind. If you see someone struggling with opening a door because their hands are full, go open the door for them even if you’re not going to the same place as them. Let the women and elders have your seat on the bus. Buy a meal for someone who you know can't afford it. This world is so full of hatred. Be nice and be respectful. We need more people like you. Not everyone will appreciate your efforts, but I will.

Love yourself. From a girl’s point of view, I know the pressure of having a certain body type or perfect skin. It might not be the same for guys, but please just be happy with who you are. God created you. The same God that created sunsets, the night sky, and puppies created YOU. He doesn't make mistakes. So what if you're not 6’4”? So what if you're not athletic, rather, you're a music geek? God created YOU. You don't have to be what society deems as “the perfect guy.” Be yourself. Love who you are. I know I will.

Above all, I hope you're learning to let God control your life. God has this beautiful plan for your life. He has this beautiful plan for OUR life. Put your trust in him, worship him, love him, and preach his word. I'm praying for you.

I don’t know if I’ve met you yet. If I have, I hope we follow God’s will and fall in love when He intends for us to. If I have yet to meet you, I hope you’re doing well and I hope you're happy. I can’t wait to meet you. I’m praying for you and I hope you're praying for me.

With so much love,

Marielle