"You're worth it."

All my life, I never bothered dating. I knew my place as the guy's best friend. I was never the prettiest or the smartest, but I knew how to make people laugh. 

I've known my husband since the 7th grade. We were best friends. Even then, I was head over heels for him, but never breathed a word. 

When we finally did start seeing each other seven years later, I poured my heart out to him. I'd never dated, never been kissed, came with a ton of emotional baggage. I asked him why. Why bother? Why not go find someone else? 

"You're worth it."

The first time in my life I had ever heard those three words, and it took me a very long time to believe it.

Eight years and two kids later, now I know for sure, we are worth it.