On "Wizards of Waverly Place," Teresa (the mom) says to Alex (her daughter), "So think of it this way: you're just one broken heart closer to a happily ever after." I always kept this quote on my phone because it gave me hope. It gave me hope that one day I would find my happily ever after.

Little did I know that all of the guys who hurt me were the reason I was afraid to allow my happily ever after to find me. I was scared and in constant worry that you would be just like the rest of the guys. I had sheltered my heart so much that I wouldn't allow my heart to open up to love.

It is so easy to believe all guys are the same. It is easy to believe because that is my way of protecting myself from being hurt again. Even with never dating before I knew being single would be a lot easier because I had trust in myself and that was all I needed.

Then you came along. I remember saying that we would be better off as just friends for awhile, but that didn't stop you one bit. I was afraid of you because you seemed like an amazing guy; yet I was waiting for the day you would break my heart. Only did I realize by pushing you away I was only breaking my heart instead.

However, you stayed persistent and kept pulling me out of my comfort zone little by little. It seemed like you were extending your hand to me and telling me to trust you. I don't know when and I don't know how, but I took a hold of your hand. Soon my heart was welcoming the thought of love.

Sometimes it is easy to bottle up my emotions and tell everyone I am fine, but you were the first one to see past that facade. I've never liked the thought of opening up my emotions to anyone, yet I have learned to talk to you about anything and everything. I never thought I would pinky promise someone to always say what's on my mind whenever I get quiet. Nor did I believe I would find someone who I wanted to be the first person to know whenever something amazing has happened to me.

I don't feel ashamed of my body whenever I'm with you, and I definitely don't feel ashamed to act myself around you. I'm free to be me and I'm learning to love my body.

Thank you. Thank you for showing me what it's like to love and be loved. Thank you for not giving up on me despite our frustrations on days that aren't always the best. You have taught me how to lean on someone when I'm at my lowest and need a shoulder to cry on. You have also taught me to fight and never give up on something or someone that I love.

Thank you for opening my heart to love, and most importantly thank you for being my happily ever after.