Because she makes me laugh.

Because her smile lights up her entire face.

Because she laughs hysterically at little things.

Because she remains calm under pressure.

Because when she does lose her cool, she doesn’t take it out on me.

Because when she gets frustrated, she says things like, "Foodle".

Because I have fun watching her play with her cats.

Because she took me to the hospital when I got sick and stayed with me the whole time, smiling at me and making me laugh.

Because she’s comfortable sleeping on my shoulder while I read a book.

Because she encourages me when I’m feeling down.

Because she tells me I’m full of shit when I need to hear it.

Because she loves my family.

Because her family loves me, and I love them.

Because she puts up with me when I gripe about my job.

Because she convinced me of how important it is to have a red plastic monkey ride in my car with me (not that I needed convincing, of course).

Because I would trust her with my heart, my life, and my soul.

Because she knows that just because we have a good relationship, we should never stop working on making it better.

Because she’s one of the most generous and giving people I know, but she still knows how important it is receive gifts graciously, too.

Because the fact that the engagement ring I gave her is a family heirloom is much more important to her than how valuable it might be.

Because she knows she’s not perfect, but she likes herself anyway.

Because she thinks my friends are cool.

Because she likes classic horror movies.

Because she likes movies like Pay It Forward, too.

Because she jokes with me on AOL Instant Messenger.

Because she’s goofy and silly and serious and mature.

Because when I proposed to her, she asked me if I really liked the plans she had chosen for the house, or if I wanted to choose out a new set of plans with her.

Because she’s intelligent and opinionated, and isn’t afraid to show it.

Because she’s my best friend.

Because I could never imagine being happy with anyone else.

Because she tells me she’s the luckiest woman in the world.

Because I know that I’m the luckiest man in the world.

Because she brings out the very best in me, and inspires me to be a better person.

Because the first time I ever saw her, I knew that she was the woman I wanted to marry.

Because the feeling that I had the first time I kissed her has yet to fade away.

Just because.