When I was in high school, I never really talked to boys, or even considered the idea of a relationship.

It wasn't because I was self-conscious, I just never really was able to put myself out there and wear my heart on my sleeve.

That all changed once I got to college.

Freshman year I met a boy who sat next to me in Psychology class.

It never dawned on me that we would ever date or become anything, but I knew we had a connection of some kind and that I wanted him in my life.

Flash forward to now, one year of dating and a promise ring under our belts, it's insane the growth we've made.

I always found it so hard to give so much of myself to someone, afraid they'd take what they want from me and leave.

I feel like this is a genuine concern for most girls, especially when dating in college.

With him, everything is just so easy.

I was able to let go of all the shyness and the insecurity that I wasn't enough.

Before him, I had never felt respected by guys and it was easy to think they were all bad.

But, I finally felt loved by someone and was able to give love in return.

By far the most important thing I've learned is for a relationship to work is to always remain honest with each other.

You should never put on a mask in front of your partner because they should love you for who you actually are.

In the past, I had always pretended to be someone I wasn't, but with him, there's complete transparency.

I always thought "finding your other half" was just a cliche, but he truly is a piece in my puzzle.

I'm grateful for the year we've shared so far and am excited for the years to come.

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