Hey. It's been a while – thank goodness, right? Even so, I hope you're well and happy, whatever you're doing.

I was 18 when we met; you were 17. I had always been interested in older men, so it was a huge surprise when I realized that I liked you. I thought the possibility of a relationship with a guy my own age was super rare, considering my taste.

You confessed that you liked me, but at first, I wasn't sure how I felt about you – were my feelings stronger than friendship? I asked you to let me think about it. A few days later, after processing my feelings, I told you that I also liked you, and our relationship began.

You were my first boyfriend, so... sorry for being so weird about things. I didn't know how relationships worked. I didn't know who I was, either, being so young and forming an identity I was comfortable with while we were in college. I had a lot of learning to do, and at first, you were patient and things went well.

At some point, I guess, it was too much for you. You stopped talking to me completely for several days. My anxiety skyrocketed – what did I do? What did I say? Were you angry at me for something I didn't realize upset you? Were we still dating, or was the silence an indication that we were done?

I confronted you about it because that was really messed up. You can't just ignore someone for days with no explanation or a request for some space, even if they aren't your romantic partner. I know I wasn't a perfect partner, but I would never have done that to you.

You never told me why. You just said something – I don't remember what – but our relationship ended right there and then because of it.

I hope you know that I'm not bothered by us breaking up; what irritated me was your total lack of care for my feelings by ignoring me for days and treating me like I – and our nearly one-year-long relationship – didn't exist.

You really were hoping I would just go away without confrontation, huh?

Thank you so much for doing that, though. We weren't compatible in a lot of ways, as I'm sure you know. Because of you, I've learned what I deserve in a relationship. I've learned how to be in a relationship – and I'm still learning, of course, but I'm so much better.

Because you left me, I was able to grow. I was able to become closer to the kind of person I needed to be. And, wonderfully, I have found a partner who is absolutely amazing, treats me well, and would actually for space if he needed it instead of pretending I'm nonexistent and hoping silence would solve something.