Because I love you,

     I knock on your door before every date rather than sending an "i'm outside" text;

Because I love you,

     I hold your hand as I walk you to my car, opening the door for you as we enter;

Because I love you,

     I address your parents as Mr. and Mrs. to show my appreciation for their approval;

Because I love you,

     I invite your younger siblings to dinner with us, letting them order the extra double-chocolate cheesecake;

Because I love you,

     I respect your wishes and desires like they were my own;

Because I love you,

     I wait for you to close your front door before driving home;

Because I love you,

     I drive an extra five miles to pick you up for school just to see your beautiful smile;

Because I love you,

     I push you towards your future goals and aspirations, not willing to hold you back;

Because I love you, 

     I know we may grow apart and go off to different colleges someday;

But because I love you,

     That doesn't mean I'll love you any less for choosing to be with me today.