Let me start off by saying that I'm not the easiest to put up with. I have my ups and downs almost daily, and for some reason, you've chosen this roller coaster. I'll never see in myself what you see in me, but I thank you for accepting me the way you do. Many people view acceptance as a threshold of how much they're willing to put up with in a relationship. With us, the term takes on a whole new meaning. We not only accept each other's flaws, but we celebrate them. I will never be able to do math in my head the same way you'll never let yourself eat an entire slice of cheesecake. I love the ups of you as well as the downs.

Now, acceptance doesn't necessarily mean that we find each other perfect. You've identified my flaws, and you see them clearly for what they are. I am forever grateful that you can accept them and help me become a better me every day. Because of you, I'm never afraid to be myself. Because of you, I strive to be a better me.

We both know from past experiences that there are people in this world that, no matter how hard they try, they just don't quite fit together. Here comes the puzzle metaphor. I think it fits us well. There are parts of me that will never be quite whole, and you complete them. I know I'm the same for you, and I think that's why we make such a good fit. This doesn't mean that we weren't whole people before we knew each other, but rather that we make life feel whole.

Full acceptance is rare to find and even harder to keep. Thank you for accepting me, the ups and the downs, and even the sideways.