Admitting my love for her.

Context:

This is a rough draft of what will be in a Valentines day card... To clear the air for context... this person is someone I have admired for a long time and have known for close to 20 years. We never dated but were very close. My past two girlfriends hated her and how close we were as friends (even though that line would not be crossed while I was in a relationship as I do not cheat and it takes two to tango). I even had to pause our friendship because I wanted to appease my last girlfriend at the time... I entered her life again after that relationship ended... She is married, to a man who is considering leaving her.. they are polyamorous but very very selective.

***,

Today, I want you to know how much I appreciate having you in my life. Our friendship, our connection, means so much to me, and I cherish it in ways that are hard to fully express in words.
Thinking about all the incredible experiences we’ve shared over the years… the theme parks, the conventions, our spontaneous drives, and how you inspired my first cosplay as C********* A****** to your H******… moments like will always live rent-free in my mind, acting as a forever reminder of the laughter and connection that make you so special to me.
This Valentine’s Day card is the first one I’ve ever given you, and it’s a small but meaningful reminder of how life changes, how time has passed, and how we’ve grown. What we have isn’t the same as it once was... time has shaped us, changed us... but through it all and even through a hiatus: you are still an important part of my life that I never wish to lose.
I wanted to pause and tell you something that has become clearer to me than ever before. Words that I have said before but never with the same weight as they hold right now.

***, I love you.

I love you not in a fleeting or uncertain way, but in a way that has grown deeper with time and reflection. I love you for your independence, compassion, creativity, and that light you bring into my life. I am saying this not because I expect anything between us to change or for any pressure to feel the same way, but because it’s simply the truth.

I want to be clear. Love, to me, isn’t about romance or grand gestures; it’s about presence. It’s about choosing someone over and over because life feels better with them in it. It’s about support without expectation, connection without conditions, and appreciating someone not just for what they do, but for who they are. This is how I feel about you.
I don’t like using phrases like “more than a friend” because it implies that the friendship we share now is anything less than incredible or that it is not enough, I never want to downplay how important what I have now is to me. Labels can be complicated, so the best way I can put this is that I will always be the *** in your life, in whatever role makes sense. Whether things stay as they are or shift into something different, nothing will ever change the fact that I am your friend first and foremost... and I am happy being in that role. What matters most to me is having you in my life, however that looks.
Thank you for being you, for your kindness, and for letting me be part of your world. That’s more than enough for me and all I could ever ask for. You contribute so much joy and happiness to my life and I hope that I can do the same for you for many years to come.

Happy Valentine’s Day, ***.

***