To The Girl Marrying My Best Friend

I’ve watched you from afar, in a non-stalkerish way. You laugh with grace and have a spunk that is contagious even in photographs.

I haven’t watched you out of envy or spite. I’ve watched you because I saw you when the others were around. I noticed the tweets and the Facebook interaction between you two. I heard him say your name with respect. And to be honest, until you, I was the only one with that privilege.

When you two first starting dating, I’ll admit it was difficult for me. It was difficult for me not because you had him, but because with each new girlfriend, I felt a fear of losing the person who’s had my back for the last 10 years.

The guy who’s picked up the pieces after break-ups, the one who’s let me be his biggest fan during football season and the one who gives the best hugs on the planet (other than my dad’s of course.)

So, as I congratulate you both as you two take the next steps as a couple with the beautiful ring on your finger and as the excitement of the dreamy surprise engagement he planned perfectly for you dies down and wedding planning begins, I have a few things to say.

Be Patient.

Stubbornness is his biggest flaw, he may not admit it but he’s lost without the ones he loves, his cows and athletics. (No explanation needed for you…) He’ll say no a million and one times before agreeing to say yes. But when it comes down to it, he’s mostly being stubborn because he didn’t think of the brilliant idea you came up with to begin with.

Never Give Up on Him.

With stubbornness comes anger and bitterness during fights. His ears turn red while you argue, his voice will raise slightly and he’ll say hurtful things. Men do. It’s not acceptable and you’re right, it’s not ok. But, when it comes down to it, he argues because he loves you. He yells because he wants to protect the relationship you have and he says hurtful things because he’s hurt with the anger that is consuming him at the time. My advice…be the bigger person and let him walk out to blow off some steam. He’ll be back, he’s a man of his word, I promise.

Love His Mother.

She is difficult. She is opinionated. She is strong. She is smart. She is beautiful. She is everything he has been looking for in his future wife. You are all of these things. You have transitioned into the most important woman in his life. Cherish the accomplishment. Between you and I, I didn’t think anyone could ever meet up to those standards. (Kidding, sort of…) Learn from her, she’s approved of you. You are her family and she loves you more than she’ll ever say. She loves you, for loving him.

Live the Life You’ve Dreamed Of.

Be happy. You both deserve it more than anything in the world. Laugh together. Travel together. Work together. Parent together. Pray together. But most importantly, grow together. You have officially found the man of your dreams, embrace him and embrace your relationship.

Know How Much You Are Loved.

Finally, save some of the tweets and the texts/messages he’s sent while you’ve been away. The distance between the two of you is hard now, but you’ll appreciate his sweetness in so many ways in the future. Just trust me on this one…

Welcome to the “Smalltown Family”

I hope you know he isn’t the only one who loves and appreciates you. His family adores you. Our friends speak highly of you. And when he talks about you he lights up in a way I’ve never seen before.

As for me? I can’t even put the feelings I have for you into words. Thank you for ignoring his past to spring into his future. Thank you for keeping him on his feet. Thank you for believing in his dreams. Thank you for having similar goals, hobbies and humor. Thank you for understanding that at least for now, I still need him to have my back.

Most importantly, thank you for giving my best friend the love he deserves. You’ve made him the happiest man on the planet. You’ve made him a better person and I couldn’t imagine a better match.

Congratulations to the both of you. You deserve it.