When I met you, I found all our similarities to be an amazing coincidence. How many people do you run into that are close to the same ethnicity, share the same initials, share the same taste in music, and are one day and one year apart in their birthdays? I was immediately attracted to you, to your piercings and tattoos, to your personality, to your smile. You made me laugh right off the bat, and I felt fluttering in my stomach that I was no longer use to. It’s funny, because the first birthday I spent with you was my 19^th birthday, and it was then that I realized how special you were, even if we were just starting out. Somehow, the two months I spent with you, at that time, meant more to me than anything else. Please, don’t laugh at me being cheesy – I’m just being honest and truthful in the only way I know how to.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes with you. I’ve probably been the craziest and most troublesome person you’ve been with. Sorry. I’m insecure, immature, and before you, I never knew how to properly be in a relationship. Before you, I didn’t know what communicating and compromising with a person was like; I didn’t know how to do anything to work our relationship out. I fought over the silliest things and cried over even stupider ones. I fussed over girls who meant nothing to you and wanted to quit even when I knew we had, and still have, something great.

I’ve learned, though. I’ve grown – at least I hope I have. I’m still learning, and I’m still growing, but I’m hoping that I can continue to do so with you by my side. Each birthday, since the very first one we celebrated, has been filled with memories. The first year we were just at your house, eating and watching Netflix. The second year, we were out at a pool hall celebrating your 21^st and my 20^th. This year, we’ll celebrate once again.

I know this open letter isn’t much, but for your birthday I want to thank you. I don’t want to thank you for “putting up with me,” because no one should have to put up with someone else, but I want to say thank you for “being there with me.” Thank you for supporting me, caring for me, growing with me. Thank you for being someone I can turn to, someone I can make memories with, someone I can laugh with, someone I can play games with, someone I can be natural with. In the last two years I’ve known you, thank you for being the one constant person in my life. From the beginning, I’ve never had to doubt you or think I can’t trust you because I know I can. From the beginning, you’ve been with me through all my ups and downs.

But to you who’s now 22 years old, who I’ve now spent 3 birthdays with, I just want to thank you for being you and being with me. Happy Birthday.