I spent most of my high school career in a mentally and physically abusive relationship.
I finally gained the courage to leave the situation, and still to this day, it's put quite a toll on me. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend, actually far from it, but one day this boy wandered into my life almost two years ago, and it's been the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I've been hearing horror stories from girls on my campus about boys they are involved with, and it made me really appreciate the guy in my life.
I thought a guy like him and the relationship we have only existed on the screen, but it's a real, and I'm so glad I didn't settle.
He does all the "gentleman" things
He rushes ahead of me to open the door, even my car door. He holds an umbrella over my head when it rains. He walks closest to curb. He carries my bags and leftovers. He cooks me dinner!
He checks on me
If my voice or my texts seem just a little off, he calls me as soon as he can and makes sure I'm okay and that everything is okay in my life.
He's my biggest fan and cheerleader
Even if I don't feel like getting out of bed and I do, he's there cheering for me and is so excited that I'm up and moving.
He encourages me to do whatever I want
I've heard so many stories of girls not being "allowed" to wear something or go out with their friends, but not this guy. He's always encouraging me to do things that he knows will make me happy.
He pushes me to be the best version of myself
If I'm angry or upset for absurd reasons he helps me to calm down and think rationally, every single time.
He's so patient
I can be a bit of a control freak, and when things don't seem to be going right in my mind, he just lets me be a little crazy for a bit and doesn't get mad or frustrated with me.
He listens to me
He calls to ask about my day, and actually listens to everything I have to say.
Always by side
If I want to go somewhere or do something, he's right by side without a complaint.
He likes to spend time with my family
My family means everything to me, and he knows that, so any chance he gets, he's right by my side on the couch with the rest of my family. He's even in my family group chat.
He's thoughtful and considerate
He remembers all my favorites, everything from my favorite color to my favorite food and he makes sure he includes those things in gifts and outings that he plans.
Our relationship is still fresh
We've been together for almost two years and I still feel the same way I did when we first started dating. I'm always so excited to see him and spend time with him.
We communicate
There's a never a guessing game to what is wrong and there's never a screaming match. If there is a problem we talk about it and nothing ever last longer than a half hour because we work together to figure it out.
The fun we have together is incomparable
I always say we are like preteen best friends. No matter where we are, we are always having so much fun. I never laugh as hard as I do when I'm with him. It's really the greatest feeling.
Christmas and New Year gift card
Photo by 
butter cookies on plate
Photo by 
boy holding Holy 
