Andrew Benton,
I remember the very first moment we met, when I laid eyes on you on the bus. My first impression of you turned my hopeful thoughts into doubt, because you appeared as someone way out of my league. How could I, an overweight, braces-filled, unattractive nerd, become friends with someone so tall, handsome, eloquent, and charismatic? I even thought you were older than me, a senior in high school and I a lowly freshman.
But miracles do happen. Mutual friendships brought us closer together. Soon we started hanging out, alone, and you became the only person that I could fully enjoy myself with one-on-one. You didn't judge my appearance, at least not verbally. Which made me more confidant. And in return, I developed a huge crush on you. Not many people can say that their current partners were also their first partners, and they haven't been with anyone else. You are my first, and my only. I knew it back then, too.
Five years down the road and you are now my best friend in the entire world. And not just currently - you are the greatest friend I've ever had. And that friendship is, above all, the most important.
By now we've definitely learned each other's strengths and faults. Andrew, you are such a kind, sweet, and downright beautiful human being and I am honored to be your closest friend and lover. You are my hero in so many ways - for being the most loving and sincere boyfriend imaginable, for being more tolerant and respectful than people give you credit for, and for showing me the truth in so many facets of life. You are the man that should set an example for the rest. Brave and strong while also being soft and loving.
No matter what you do in life, you have my full support. I'm sorry for all the empty complaints and thoughtless verbal discontents. I love you so much, and I am the luckiest human alive for having someone as wonderful as you. Happy Birthday, my love. Let's stay together forever.
