I have been dating my boyfriend for almost 2 and a half years. Before him, I had this list in my head about all the qualities and traits I wanted in a man. I think we all subconsciously have one. It wasn’t a strict list, but it was there. I wanted a lot of basic foundations for a solid relationship, but there were also silly little things like, “oh, I hope my future husband can sing.”

As I kept dating, that list started getting smaller. So what if he can’t cook? It doesn’t matter that he does x, y, or z. I didn’t realize I was settling for the bare minimum and sacrificing my desires and needs and values for men who didn’t matter. And then I met my boyfriend. We were friends first, but I fell fast. He checked off every single thing in my list, even the silly ones. Everything about him fits to my needs and desires and values. Yes he can sing and beautifully. He’s also a great cook. He is so amazing that I believe God made him specifically for me.

I was always trying to fight for a guy’s attention or heart when I never should’ve had to. With my boyfriend, it was so easy to love him. I knew he was my future husband, before I even dated him. I used to cringe over the people who gushed about marrying their best friend. I thought, “No way that is true. No one actually marries their best friend!” I’m here to tell you they do. It’s true. I’m marrying mine. Now I am half of the cringey couple I used to make fun of.

I didn’t think I could ever love someone as much as I love my partner. He was absolutely worth every heartbreak that led me to him. He is sunshine on rainy days, caffeine on sleepy mornings, the extra pep in my step, that bridge in a song you play over and over again because it’s so good. He is the love of my life. I love that man so much.