The first time that we met was an uncomfortable situation, only because I didn’t like you. You were in a certain social crowd and that was something that I wanted no part of. I remember that night in particular. Unlike most nights in college that seem to blend together, this one stood out. One of our mutual friends decided to invite a couple of you girls over and when I first heard of this news, yuck. I went into the night with the only thought of you just being so basic.

I never gave you that fair shot. I judged you before I even met you. And that was my first mistake. After the weird night with all of you girls that I failed to try to get to know, you in particular started coming around a little more often. I like to think that this was just a blessing in disguise. We had one person in common and that was why I didn’t completely ignore you. A couple of weeks went by and there were some tough things that I was trying to work through. A person that I completely judged from the beginning was becoming a person that I began to lean on, even when I didn’t deserve your kindness. Fast forward and look where we are. I couldn’t even put into words on how much your graciousness means to me. But I’ll give it a shot.

This is what I have never told you, the reasons why I will always appreciate you and love you:

1.] Thank you for making so many ordinary moments, extraordinary. From surprising your boyfriend with a cookie cake on his birthday to rapping Ludacris’s verse in “Baby,” you never fail to make those simple moments sensational.

2.] Thank you for believing in me. It’s always hard to go through something so challenging, especially when there are people around you that do not believe you can make it out. But you did. You continue to impress me with how much you believe in me and that is something that I will never forget. You never once doubted me and I will live the rest of my life thinking of ways to thank you for that.

3.] Thank you for making me feel wanted. As the insecure and sensitive person that I am, it was always hard for me to find a comfortable spot where I felt fully warm and welcomed, until I met you. You made it able for me to be who I am and I never once wanted to become someone else. You loved me for me.

4.] Thank you for facing problems with me. You never asked for a best friend carrying a load of baggage, but you never fail to face each new obstacle with me. Anytime that I have a challenge that I can’t face myself, I know that I can bring it to you, and you will always give me the strength to push through.

5.] I am so proud of you. For the couple of months that I have gotten to know you, I have seen you care and love everyone with the biggest heart. You work so hard to be the best you that you can be, and I am so thrilled that I was given the chance to know such a phenomenal person.

I could never imagine life without you. You have helped me fix my soul that seemed like it would forever be a broken record. You inspire me to laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter, and live life a little better. I have had the greatest privilege of learning all there is to know about you, and I cannot wait to see where our friendship takes us next.