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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UNH chapter.

I’m forever thankful that you’re there for me. My friend just came home and we talked about the people we care for versus the people who care for us. We both give a lot of ourselves to people and ask for nothing in return. The only difference is, she believes nobody would do the same for her. For once in my life, I know I have someone who would give everything they could for me. A person who welcomes my highest of highs, as well as my lowest of lows, with open arms. Someone who not only can tell me how much they care for me, but can also prove it. That person is you. Talking to her made me realize that I was just like her a few months ago. She said she changed her attitude, eating habits, clothing style, and all for what? To impress boys and people who she believed might take notice in her and care for her just a hair more than a stranger. She looks around and sees a world full of happy people. Many of which are in a “happy relationship.” She craves the attention she desperately lacks and tries to prove herself to others. Her only source of happiness is giving everything she can to people who need someone there for them. But never reaching out and asking for help for herself.

I told her about the mask I used to wear. I would walk out of my room every morning with a fake smile across my face, never taking off that mask until I went to sleep. Sometimes I might not sleep because I never truly got to be the person under the mask, so there were many feelings hidden and pushed down that desperately needed to be let out. I’m not saying I hung that mask up for good, but I can now feel comfortable enough to leave my room without it. Because of you. Her boyfriend used to beat her. She was scared and believed it was her fault. She was so caught up in trying to make things work and pleasing him that she lost sight of herself.

I know now that it’s okay to want the same things as a partner. But not to completely abandon your own path. Because of you. There’s a saying that sometimes it takes a village to get someone up off their feet. But for me it’s taken only a few people. One person is you. Never in my life have I been the purest form of myself with anyone. But now I am. Because of you. I have always thought it was my duty to make sure the people around me are happy because I know what it’s like to not be and I would never want that for anyone. Now I know it’s okay to ask for help in return or to distance myself from people who take too much out of me. Because of you.

There are many relationships that people form during their lifetime. You have the people who are only around when you’re in a good place. You have people who pick you up when you’re down, but quickly vanish soon after. You have people who hurt you, but you continue to take them back because they’re close to you, like family for instance. You have your first love. You have your best friend. You have your soulmate. No matter what stage of life you are in, you are bound to make many relationships and connections. Some require lots of attention and some require nothing at all. My point is, I’ve had many connections before I met you, but I have never had one that I am more devoted to, more invested in, more willing to give all of myself to for a person who I know holds my fragile heart in their hands and has the ability to shatter it into a million pieces and walk away without ever looking back. But trusting that person would never do that. That person is you. But more importantly, that connection is ours. It doesn’t matter if we’re lovers or just friends, no one can take our connection away. No gesture is too large to show my gratitude towards you. You are what I have been searching for. I have found strength through your motivation and support. Thank you for everything. You’re an incredible human with so much wisdom and drive. I can’t wait to watch you take on this life, and amount to amazing success. For you will always have a piece of my heart. No matter where life takes us or what faite has in store for us, you have shown me things that I will cherish forever. You truly are a miracle, a miracle that I would never have if our paths hadn’t crossed. 

Instagram: @alexaoleary Communication Major