I met who I thought was the love of my life at age 15. Yeah I know what you are thinking, "15 is a little young to be in love." It was the craziest roller coaster ride mixed with equal amounts of highs and lows. Off and on, this relationship lasted about three years and I don't think it could've ended any worse. I was three hours away from home in my freshman year of college and heartbroken. He was all I had ever really known. We grew up together, his family was my family and vice versa and his friend were my friends. He had seen me at my best and at my worst and he made a decision that he didn't want me. That's how I saw it at least. I have come so far from that point in my life and these are five reasons I'm thankful that he didn't choose me.

1. I was able to find myself

I met the kid when I was 15 so he was all I ever knew. I, unwillingly, now had to take the time to find me. I was now in college where you are supposed to find yourself anyways and then I was alone so what better time? Did I go a little wild because I was so broken and empty? Hell yeah. However, did I find myself in the process? Absolutely.

2. I figured out what I didn't want in a boyfriend

After this all was said and done I had realized that I may not know what I want but I do know what I don't want. I'm not here to bash anyone or act like the victim of some terrible relationship though. It wasn't all bad times. There were good things, and all in all, without that relationship—I wouldn't be who I am today. However I take the term, "blinded by love," very seriously because at the age of 15-18 I was exactly that. He could've committed a murder and I'm not sure I would've left him. (There were no actual murders committed)

3. I gained my independence

Having independence is so important. I relied on someone for three years. I relied on him for everything, including my self-worth. That is a BIG NO-NO. You have to be you and that is the most important thing I've ever learned. In the two years that I took to reflect on this, I learned my most important lesson. Relationships work only when two INDEPENDENT individuals come together and learn to be interdependent.

4. It forced me to get my mental health in order

Throughout my high school years—especially after my dad left, I was in a very dark place. I got diagnosed with anxiety and depression towards the end of our relationship and was put on medication. Any time I would get upset or angry with him about anything he would look me in the eyes and say, "Have you been taking your meds?" Hold up. What? So the fact that you are out with other girls shouldn't bother me and I'm only upset because I am off my meds? It made me feel ashamed of having to take medication to feel better. After we broke up I realized there is absolutely no shame in having a mental illness and I deserve nothing less than to take care of me and if my medicine prevents me from having a major panic attack every few hours than I am going to take my medication.

5. I have since found the love of my life

This heartbroken hopeless romantic has found her Prince Charming. Now at the age of 20, I have found the man that I will choose to love tomorrow, next week, and every day for the rest of my life. He is everything I could've ever wanted and we are just two fully interdependent love sick puppy dogs.

Thank you to my first love which ended in my first heartbreak. I have since found myself, found my independence, figured out what I wanted and got my mental health in check. Most importantly, I have found my knight.