Over the years I've had great experiences and learned even greater lessons. Some people would call me crazy for writing about my exes. But I think they were a big part of my life, and I don't regret one thing.
Dear ex-boyfriends,
First of all, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much. I know you’re probably wondering why I’m thanking you, but if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
Thank you for putting your friends before me. I learned not to be anyone’s second choice, but their first. Your friends were a big deal, I get it. But you taught me how to be selfish. I know that’s probably a bad thing, but in this case — it isn’t. You showed me to put myself before anyone else, especially boys. And you reminded me that, well, my girls are always first.
Thank you for disrespecting me. You made me realize that I would rather be alone than to be with someone that disrespects me. I learned that even though I was blind at the moment, once I opened my eyes, everything was clearer. In other words, I will never be blind enough for someone who would disrespect me. And you showed me that I am a flower; I should be treated delicately and lovingly.
Thank you for trying to “Netflix and chill,” even after I said no. I learned a whole lot from that, especially that I am unique. I don’t have to do what anyone says if I don’t want to. I don’t have to go anywhere with anyone if I don’t want to. I say what I can and can’t do with my body. It is my temple, and I won’t let anybody treat it like a stop along the way. You taught me that if anybody wanted me for only that, then I would simply say “Bye, Felicia.” And you taught me to love myself over everything and everyone because I am unique, and no matter what, I will never be a simple stop along the way, but a destination.
Thank you for not liking my family. This one is the winner. You all taught me that nothing is more important than my family. Nothing. You guys also made me realize that one day I would like to find someone that reminds me of my dad, because he is the only man that treats me like a princess. He’s always there for me when I need him and is always supporting me through every crazy thing that I do. And if I ever did find anyone that was half the man my dad is, then that’s how I would know that I found the one.
And even thank you to those that just did not work out.
You see, you might think that I hate all of you. But I could never. Regardless if we ended on good terms or not, you guys are the ones that pushed me here. Especially those that didn’t believe in me. You guys made me prove myself wrong. If it wasn’t for you, I would’ve never met the one that reminds me of my dad. And I could never thank you enough. Actually, I can. Because, after all, you were just a stop along the way.
Sincerely,
Paulete
People are always looking back at their past boyfriends or girlfriends like a mistake or often say, "Why did I date them?" But I can tell you right now. If you hadn't, you wouldn't be where you are right now. Which is in a better place with a lot of great lessons and experiences to learn from; you are all beautiful flowers.
