I’ve been searching far and wide for a proper way to truly express my gratitude towards you. Perhaps a grateful text message, but eventually those get pushed to the bottom and forgotten. Perhaps I could bake you something or make you something. However those are gone within time. Perhaps a handwritten note, but those get lost among the daily clutter of an average college student. I knew from the very beginning I was incredibly grateful to have you, but as time goes on, I realized just how much I am indebted to you. I’ve been thinking really hard about how to truly express how thankful I am for you, except the truth is, I can’t. Nothing I can ever say or do can fully encompass the magnitude of how much you mean to me, but I assure you, I will always try.

1. Thank you for always being there for me.

Coming from a dark past, always feeling as if there was no one to ever turn to, I initially rejected any sort of help assuming it was conditional, almost as though you felt obligated because “it was your job.” As time went on, your sincerity and genuine compassion began knocking down my walls. You always trusted me with your dilemmas. I always supported you and helped you and you always knew that you could count on me. When it was my turn to be on the other side, you spammed my phone, smothered me in person and constantly made sure I was okay, reassuring me that you’re always here if I needed you. You constantly make me feel cared for, which is the most special feeling. You put me in a perpetual state of awe every single day. I wish I could make you understand how much I appreciate your constant love and support, but I assure you, I will always try.

2. Thank you for always making me laugh.

I don’t know how you do it, but regardless of whatever situation, you always have such an effortless way of making me laugh. Whether it’s laughing at our own awkwardness, each other, or even a stupid joke you heard earlier, you always know how to cheer me up, usually without even knowing it. I wish I could express how grateful I am for all the smiles and laughter you bring into my life, but I assure you, I will always try.

3. Thank you for always cheering me on.

You’re always my personal cheerleader, pushing me every step of the way. You don’t know how many times I’ve just wanted to give up, but you don’t let me. You constantly motivate me to keep going and you always have a way of helping me find the courage and strength I didn’t know I had. Not only do you encourage me to jump those hurdles, but you’re jumping with me hand in hand (even when I try to let go). I wish I could tell you how thankful I am that you’ve voluntarily become my rock, but I assure you, I will always try.

4. Thank you for always listening.

No matter how repetitive my problems are, you’re always sitting front row of my one woman freak show. I am constantly relieved at the thought of you always being there when I need you, and even when I don’t. I never have to doubt your determination to listen to me cry, listen to me vent, and listen to me when I’m not even making sense. Although more often than not you cannot empathize with me, you still listen with open ears. Words cannot express how comforted I feel by always trusting that I can go to you whenever, but I assure you, I will always try.

5. Thank you for always accepting me as I am.

Sometimes I’m annoying, sometimes I’m sassy, sometimes I’m just downright weird, but regardless, you always seem to accept me as is. You never judge me (out loud) and you always make me feel like I belong. Thank you for continuously making me feel loved and embracing my quirks (and sometimes making me feel like I’m the normal one). I wish I could convey how relentlessly welcomed you make me feel, but I assure you, I will always try.

No matter how much I try to fully make you understand just how much I appreciate you, it will never be enough. You’re my rock, my inspiration, my go-to. You always leave me at a loss for words (which is very unusual for me). I would truly be lost without you and I will forever cherish everything you do and everything you are. I wish I could express how lucky I feel to have you in my life, but I assure you, I will always try.