I’m grateful for my crush via /r/gratitude

I’m grateful that she’s such a courteous and gentle person. I’m grateful that, regardless of how shy she can be, she tries hard to put herself out there for people even when she might be reluctant or flat-out afraid. She doesn’t laugh much, but I’m grateful every time I get to hear her laughter or even just see a sincere smile on her face.

I’m grateful that she lets me get to know her, that she’s trusted me enough to open up more and be herself in a way she isn’t around most people. I’m grateful that she tries to get to know me on a deeper level, that she takes an interest in the things I love and believe in. And I’m grateful that she looks past our differences, that we actually have fun sharing our lives in spite of how unfamiliar they can be.

I’m grateful for the motivation she’s been in my life. There were times when I would see strangers who were angry, desperate, or even just sad, and I would feel the urge to keep walking— but then she would come to mind, and that gave me the courage to reach out to those people, to be an actual friend to them. The love I feel for her isn’t selfishly possessive, it isn’t limited to just the two of us. My love for her has rippled outward into others’ lives, people she’s never even met. Even if she didn’t want me around anymore, I would still want to keep reaching out to people the way she’s inspired me to. For that lasting impact, I’m especially grateful.

I’m grateful to have her as a reminder that this world and the people in it are worth supporting. From the largest to smallest details, there are countless things I feel thankful for just by knowing her.

I’m shy to tell her any of this, but I thank God for her.