When Ari said "I'm so f***ing grateful for my ex" I FELT that. The reason for that, aside from him teaching me love, patience and pain, is because he gave me my best friend. And for that I'm SO thankful!

My first real relationship was not so great. I'll be the first to admit it was a hot mess. Lies, cheating, abuse, manipulation, on and off again every week and all other qualities of a toxic relationship that you could imagine. Things got very messy and we decided to break up. This time for a couple of months instead of just a couple of days. One day he decided to text me to let me know he had heard that I was talking to a new guy and he was not happy about it. In the same conversation though, he told me about his new girlfriend. SO TOXIC!!

After some time spent searching on social media, I found the new girlfriend. I was mixed with so many emotions at this point. I was bitter, jealous, hurt and confused. I decided to message her and let her in on what kind of a person her new boyfriend was. And yes, I came with receipts. I told a complete stranger about the toxic relationship I had been in and just couldn't get away from. I told her how he manipulated me, how he hurt me, how he cheated on me. I even showed her pictures of the bruises and black eyes. I told her he would do the same to her. I wanted to warn her but more importantly, I didn't want him to be happy. He didn't deserve it. Of course he continued to do what he was best at; manipulate. He told her I was just a ''crazy ex girl friend". He continued to lie to her and cheat until one day she saw it all for herself.

A few months had passed and the new girlfriend came back and apologized to me. She told me she was sorry she didn't believe me when I tried to tell her. We shared our stories and pain. After a few hour long conversations, the girl I sat in the living room crying to my mom about slowly became my best friend. We started off hanging out in groups and going to parties together. Then it turned into sleepovers every weekend and soon enough we were inseparable.

She became the friend who listened to all of my stories, brought me my favorite food and soda when I was upset, cried with me and laughed with me. She was and still is one of the most genuine friends I have ever had. There is not a soul in this world I would rather pig out on Chico's or Chilly Willy's and ugly laugh with.

Three years later and 1,001 miles away she still holds one of the biggest pieces of my heart. I'm so glad we both decided to say "Thank u, Next" to a P.O.S guy and found each other.