There is a person in my life who does not receive the recognition he deserves. I speak, of course, of none other than my husband Aidan.

About three years ago, my good friend Chantell decided she would drag along one of her friends to my little party. That friend was Aidan. From that night, he captivated me. I knew there was something different about him, and I wanted to know more. We exchanged phone numbers that night, although I could tell he thought I'd never bother calling him. I didn't call him, I SMS'd him the following Monday and asked if he'd like to catch up that afternoon, a request to which he readily acquiesced.

Needless to say, things developed rather quickly from then... I learned that he was indeed different, in the best possible way: a thinker, and a true "diamond in the rough". He presented (and still does, at times) a very gruff exterior: air force reservist, disliking cats, and so forth. But the other, oft unseen, side of him, was what really appealed.

As that side showed itself, the things he said and did never ceased to amaze. He made outrageous claims, such as saying that I was beautiful! (The first time he said that, I was so shocked that he said I looked like I'd been shot!) He would do the sweetest things, like surprising me with a picnic on the bank of the Yarra River, or driving 200km to bring me soup when I was ill.

Over the course of the last three years, he has single-handedly given me self-esteem, confidence, love, support, and endless laughs. If not for him, I have no doubt I would still be a very miserable individual. It is particularly apparent at this stage in my life - I am changing job, reducing my working hours, taking on a bartending course as well as our Russian classes, and future income is uncertain. Yet his support of my decisions has been confident and unwavering. Without that support, I would have just stayed with the "devil I know" - my current depressing job. It may be miserable, but I know it back to front.

So this is my time to say thank you to my wonderful, beautiful, tolerant, supportive, perfect husband. You have done more than you'll ever know for me, and although I may sometimes seem to take it for granted, I am forever indebted to you. So thank you. I am unashamed to let the world know I love you!