To the friend I've parted ways with,

I want to say thank you. Regardless of whether we slowly drifted apart or we ended on bad terms, I want to say thank you for the lessons our friendships taught me.

Thank you for showing me what I am worth; at one point you were my shoulder to cry on, my confidant, my rock. When I confided my insecurities to you, you built me up and made me feel beautiful and strong. You made me feel like I was more than enough. And when things went south and you made me feel small, when you threw my downfalls in my face, you taught me that I deserve better.

Thank you for teaching me when enough is enough. You helped me find my voice when you and so many others walked all over me. You always pushed me to stand up for myself, to not be scared to confront others. I never thought you'd be the person I'd have to take a stand against. I bet you never thought I would.

Thank you for breaking my heart, for growing cold, or for just being absent. Because of you, I had to learn to pick myself up. I had to figure out how to be my own support system. Because of you, I had to take the time to start a friendship with myself and for that, I will always be grateful. I learned to trust my gut, to listen to my instincts when I see red flags, and to be open about my feelings. I've grown so much since our friendship ended, I've fallen in love with the person I am- none of that would have been possible without you.

When you cross my mind, I try to think of our friendship fondly. I think back on the good times we had, the laughs we shared, and the nights we'll never forget. But to be honest, I try not to think of you too often- I think we both need to move on. You were a lesson I had to learn, a milestone I had to reach, an obstacle I had to overcome. You were a major character in the story of my life and that's a role I can never take away from you.

I hope you know I loved you; you were such an important part of my life and you meant the world to me. I never took our friendship for granted, and even now that it's over I still am grateful for you.

Thank you for giving me the push I needed to grow and find myself. Without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I hope you're growing, too. I hope you learn from your mistakes, that you mature, and that you never look back.

Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for loving me when you did. Most importantly, thank you for leaving.