To my soulmate, Arthur

Although I will never reach your level of proficiency in writing cards, I should say a few words to mark the occasion of our anniversary and thank you for every single second that has passed since we first locked eyes back in October.

These past 6 months have fundamentally changed me as a man. You are without question the best thing that has ever happened to me, and yes, it’s clear that you saved my soul by choosing me to stand by your side. Life is brighter, more precious, more beautiful and worth living with you in it. I feel like I am the luckiest man alive and I live for the day we can each get on one knee and say we want to give our lives to each other forever. You are the person I choose to give myself to, completely, permanently, and without question.

One of the first memories of love I can remember brings me back to before I asked you to be my boyfriend, to our very first concert in the Barbican Centre, stage right on the stalls. I was unbelievably anxious, but because I could touch your leg, hold your hand and see the light in your eyes, you were able to calm me down and make me feel like life was good again.

As our love grew and I built up the courage to say what I couldn't, you kept investing deeply in us, taking me to play piano, going with me on walks around london, keeping in touch with me while I was away in Japan. I felt like the signal was clear, I needed to ask you to date me. On that beautiful January day on the top of the mail building in Holborn, I finally had the guts to say what I was feeling for months on end. I was so happy you said Yes!

Another memory I truly cherish is a moment we had in Brighton where, as we walked into the pool in the spa, we turned into one another with our smiles stretched from ear to ear, your eyes glowing with glee. I will remember that moment until the day I die. Your happiness fills me with love and I am eternally thankful for having the chance to witness it every day.

I will also forever remember the moment you hugged my mom at the airport in Portugal. I knew then that the two people I love most in this universe had met and, in that moment, while nervous, I felt truly at peace with myself. Thank you for the courage you had in visiting them with me and thank you for how perfectly you handled the entire trip, from the car trips with music on, the late night cuddles in bed under the sheets, to the walks by the river, I genuinely don’t think it could have been more perfect.

Meeting your family last week was a tremendous responsibility and I feel like I should reiterate how thankful I am for your vote of confidence and love in that regard. I loved every second of it, even when it may have been more difficult to understand the conversations in French. I loved every single second of our time in Nimes and how tremendously well you planned it for us, driving us around to beautiful places, eating amazing food and of course proving once again how amazing you are at taking care of me and protecting me. There are not enough days in my life to thank you enough for it.

We grow closer every day, with really mature gestures of love: introducing each other to our families, trusting one another with our vulnerabilities, planning trips abroad together and ensuring we stay present even when it’s hard to do so.

I have never been so certain of something I want in my life - I want to become your husband, build a life together and continue to be the happiest, luckiest, most loved man in the world, all that is your accomplishment and I will never be able to thank you enough.

Thank you for these six beautiful months. I cannot wait for all the memories still waiting for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you, my ame sœur, minha alma gemea, razão da minha felicidade, meu amor

I love you eperdument ❤️