I found out how I want to be proposed to:

Pretty nerdy, I know. But it's the truth.

Alex

there is this boy I know who is always enthusiastic; he is always excited to see everyone, and endlessly supportive.

I want to be him.

today I definitely saw one of my friends (acquaintance?) and high-fived her and said "I love you," before darting off to class.

I feel like I've lost that behavior lately.
however I'm working on regaining it.

I'll let you know how this quest goes.

Maybe this is the real challenge: keeping your personality in the midst of turbulence.