Dear Stranger,

First and foremost, if you can relate to this, I am sorry. Nobody wants to be in this position. However, if you're reading this, know that you're not in denial anymore, and you're on your way to a more positive life.

You're better than this. You're an amazing person who deserves the world because that's what you give to others. You need to stop letting people walk all over you. You need to get out there, explore your interests, and find someone with the same quirks as you. Find a person who will genuinely care about you, and who will make spending time with you a priority rather than act as if it's a chore.

Don't settle for a significant other or a friend whom you cannot trust for any reason. It does not matter what the reason is, the moment you stop trusting someone, there's no getting that back. You're going to always feel overcome with anxiety over everything after that point, and you do not need that added stress and negativity in your life.

You're independent. You know that you don't need another person to complete any part of you because you've worked so hard to do that on your own. You've been through so many struggles and you've come this far; there is no reason for you to be around someone who does not treat you like gold. You're going to find somebody one day who will look at you with such longing and devotion that you'll question everything that you were doing before that moment.

You're worth so much more than this. Stop making excuses for the other person. You deserve to be with someone who wants to be with you and only you. If you're in pain or in trouble, they should want to stop everything they're doing to be able to come to your aid. You know you'd do it for them.

Stop looking for love. Love will find you in many forms. Look around you, look at all the friends you've accumulated over the years. Look at all the people who look up to you; what are you teaching them by letting yourself be disrespected? Look at your family. These are people who are there for you unconditionally, even when no one else is.

Bottom line: you know this isn't what's right for you. You think you're happy, but it is temporary. I hate that I have to be the one to tell you that, but somebody has to. You know you should be treated better. You're so entranced by this person that you try to look past their flaws.

You tell yourself that you'll love this person and the flaws that come along with them, and you will. But will they do the same for you? You need to open your eyes; it's going to hurt more than you'll ever know, but you need to admit to yourself that you're better than letting yourself be treated this way.

Something important to realize is that the person in question may not exactly be treating you badly. They may not be mean to you, per se. But there is not really any difference between someone who is not being mean to you and someone who is not making an effort to be nice to you. You need to sit down and evaluate this relationship.

If, at any point, you're questioning anything about it, that's when you need to drop it altogether. You should never have to feel insecure about a relationship, romantic or otherwise. The second you start doubting it, the more the doubt will consume you. It's all you're going to think about. Where did I go wrong? What did I do? Nothing. You did nothing wrong. You're a great person who really does deserve the world. You know that; I know you know that.

I know you don't want to lose this person. You're only human and you've dedicated a lot of your life to this relationship. You need to realize that there are better people out there who are going to be nice to you and who will appreciate you for all that you have to offer. I know you may not think so right now, but it's true. Cutting people out of your life hurts, and it always will, but it's a part of life. It would be great if everyone in the world was as nice and understanding as you, but unfortunately, that's not how the world works.

For now, make a playlist of your favorite songs and listen to it at full volume. Push yourself at the gym. Keep yourself occupied. Keep doing you. Someone will eventually come along who will love you for all that you are.

Sincerely,

Someone Who Has Been In Your Position