February: a month when couples shamelessly engage in sappy, romantic stereotypes. A charming guy wins over his female counterpart by providing her with blossoming flowers and delicious sweets.

I’ve seen it millions of times before, snuggled lonesomely upon a bed as a television portraying two individuals expressing their love for one another illuminates my room, and soon I’m consumed by my doom.

This is the soundtrack to my life.

This year, however, the script has been altered. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I find myself entrenched in the deepest love; a feeling that is indescribable.

My girlfriend and I have been together for nearly ten months now. Although we may attend different schools and only get to see each other on select weekends each month, my love for her grows exponentially by the second.

I was lost before I met her. I did not know how to love myself, let alone love others. She saved me, and there is no way I can properly repay her for all she has done for me.

Thank you for putting up with me when I’m grumpy.

Thank you for paying for food when I don’t have money.

Thank you for always being up for an adventure.

Thank you for allowing me to rant about sports, music, and everything else.

Thank you for being there for me when no one else was.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

To put it short, thank you for being you. You’re perfect the way you are. As a college freshman who has no idea where he is going in life, I can confidently proclaim that I am the happiest I have ever been, and it's all because of you.

Valentine’s Day has taken on a new meaning. It's no longer a fantasy holiday that I will only be able to observe from isolation.

If you happen to find yourself in the same position I was during the previous seventeen years of my life, don’t panic.

Love is waiting for you. Just be patient and keep looking.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my Rose. I love you forever and always.

Never forget that.