Dear "Friends",

Back in middle school I was very insecure and the whole concept of popularity was a huge deal to me. That's why when the four of you started talking to me I was floored. Honestly, I couldn't believe that you were all talking to me and it made me feel so special. You all very quickly started referring to "us all" as best friends and we kept saying how we "need to hang out", although it never actually happened. This fake friendship lasted from 8th grade to the end of 9th grade, and it took me a while to see the fraudulence that the friendship actually held.

You were nice enough to my face, but as soon as I turned my back to walk away I heard giggles, which is something a real friend doesn't do. Every time we spoke each one of you put on this fake singsong voice to talk to me and would never say a single sentence without laughing. Back then I was too vulnerable and desperate to see what all this really meant, but I saw the light soon enough.

Before I go on I need to clarify something. I'm not one to be petty or call anyone out, so that's not what this is supposed to be. Instead I guess I'm kind of thanking you, because although this experience was way less than ideal, and it's something no one should ever have to deal with, I actually learned a lot about myself.

This experience taught me how to know when a friendship isn't true and that it's best to walk away. And it also taught me that I'm way better, and deserve much more than, people pretending to be my friend just to get a laugh. These lessons have stuck with me from the day I realized our friendship never held an ounce of truth, and I have such amazing people in my life as a result.

So, while I'm not glad that you pretended to be my friends for 2 years, I am pretty thankful for the positive aspects that ended up coming from it, so thank you for helping me acquire the skills that would allow me to find such kindhearted, true friends after all the struggle I've been through.

Sincerely,

Brianna