I’ve never really been one to wear my feelings about the people I love on my sleeve nor do I typically blast them all over social media. However, since I met Cassidy, I’ve been a little more open about my affections. I usually like to write out because I think a written letter will last longer than most other forms of gifts. These are usually private, but for Cassidy’s birthday this year, I thought, “What the heck? Everybody else should know how much I think of her and how awesome she really is.” So here it goes.

Dear Cassidy,

Here are the 24 reasons why I think you’re the best:

1. You Are Kind

There have been many times throughout our marriage where you are willing to stop what you’re doing in order to help someone else. I think it’s a true measure of your character when you go out of your way to help not only me, but others around you that are in need.

2. You Are Beautiful

When we first met, I thought you were out of my league in the looks department. I don’t think that’s every going to change either.

3. You Are Talented

You have so many natural talents, and you always try to put them to good use. It’s ironic that you’ve only ever been to my performances, because it is I who should be watching you on stage!

4. You Are Intelligent

One of the things I love most about you is how intelligent you are. We can have intellectually stimulating conversations all the time! I’ve never met someone else who I can talk to about anything and everything for hours on end and not get bored!

5. You Have Perspective

One of the biggest things that I admire about you is how gospel-focused you are. When we first started dating, I realized how terrible of a human being I really am, and I wanted to be better so I could have a shot with you. All joking aside, you continually inspire me to be a better person. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you in it.

6. You Are Great At Planning Trips

We have been blessed to have had a lot of adventures together. I don’t think any of them would have come together if you hadn’t put in a lot of time to planning them. You always find the best deals that will help us have the most fun. You always do your research and make sure we have everything covered.

7. You Are Great At Not Spending Money

I know that sounds kind of cheap, but it sure makes budgeting a whole lot easier when neither of us are big spenders. Heck, I never thought I would be the spender in the relationship!

8. You Are A Great Cook

I love that you love to cook and make food. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal before we got married. Although that was when I was eating ramen and frozen burritos. My eyes have now been opened to your garlic and onion cooking. And it’s delicious.

9. You Keep Me Healthy

Despite my continual protests to go to McDonalds, you keep telling me no. So every time I am tempted to venture there, your voice comes into my mind. I guess the only place where you’ll let me eat junk food is in your sleep. In reality, it’s probably for the best.

10. You Never Complain About My Nerdiness

I’ve never heard you complain about watching all the Marvel movies. Or about Star Wars. You have NEVER complained about too much Star Wars. In fact, you have encouraged my nerdiness. Especially when you threw the May the 4th party. That was awesome.

11. You Are Hilarious

I don’t think I have laughed so hard with anyone else in my life. We’ve had so many good times and funny memories that have had me in stitches.

12. Your Sleep Talking Is Awesome

Along those same lines of being funny, I love it when you say funny things in your sleep. Although you were really self conscious about it at first, you have said some very endearing and some very random things in your sleep. There is never a dull moment.

13. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter

And all other inside jokes.

14. You Inspire Me

Ever since we met, I have felt like I continually need to step up and be a better person. You make me want to stretch and achieve my full potential. When I don’t believe in myself, you believe in me, and that’s enough to help me keep going.

15. You Love Sports Almost As much As I Do

Especially BYU football. I love seeing you get just as mad at the TV and referees as I get. I never have to worry about not being able to watch sports because you just want to watch them as well! And you like to go to sports games. We’ve had some good times at the Redskins game we went to (even though they lost) and the Jazz game we went to (even though they lost as well). I can’t wait to go to more games with you as well.

16. You’ll Do Things That I want To Do Even If You Don’t Like It

You bought me tickets to go see Switchfoot even though you really don’t like them. That meant a lot to me because I was just not going to go at all.

17. We’re Always Doing Fun Things

Besides traveling around to cool places, we always have fun things to do. We go hiking all the time, we go to Seven Peaks, we do escape rooms – even if we’re just watching Person of Interest or Turn on Netflix, it’s always fun with you.

18. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

I’m not sure where this came from, but it’s your classic catch phrase. I can always tell when you’re in a good mood because you make up a song and throw the “yeah, yeah, yeah” in. Usually at the end.

19. You Can Compromise

We both have very different styles when it comes to interior design, but I appreciate that you’re willing to find a good middle ground that we both will enjoy. Not only are you willing to compromise on this, but on many other aspects in our marriage.

20. You Don’t Get That Mad At Me When I Scare You

I should be sympathetic to the fact that you have a jumpy soul, but sometimes I just can’t help myself. Thanks for playing along and taking it like a champ when I crouch down outside the bathroom and wait to scare you.

21. You’re The Best Snuggler

Whether we are watching a movie, just sitting on the couch, or you’re fast asleep while I’m still wide awake, you have a knack for cuddling up to me. And it’s one of the cutest things.

22. You’re Great At Taking Care Of Me

I love that you’re always concerned about how I am doing, because I generally don’t go out of my way to take care of myself. If I’m feeling sick, you’ll make me do what I need to to get feeling better. Whenever I forget to take a lunch to work, you offer to bring me one. I really appreciate that it’s just automatic for you to think of me.

23. You’re Loyal

One of the greatest things about you is how committed you are to me and to our marriage. I feel pretty secure that I am the most important person in your life. And that really means a lot to me.

24. You’re My Best Friend

You know that feeling you get when you’ve been with the same person for a few days, and they start to get on your nerves? Well, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that with you. Sure, we have our disagreements from time to time. But I still want to be with you all the time! You are my best friend in the whole wide world. I’m so grateful to have you in my life every day. So here is to your 24th year of life! I’m so glad that you were born.

I love you, Cassidy. Happy Birthday.