Hey baby girl,

Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to, I can’t protect you from everything. Right now you’re going through more pain than you'll ever deserve, but when you come out on the other side you will be stronger than ever before. No matter how far away I am or how much you’re going through I will always be a text, call, or FaceTime away. But just in case you’ve forgotten, here are some things I want you to know.

You are beautiful. I know you might not feel like it right now (especially when you’re either staring at mascara stained cheeks or avoiding your reflection altogether), but you are in every single way. When someone you gave so much of yourself to has seen all your superficial imperfections and then throws you away, it can really bring down your self-confidence. Surely no one will ever wake up next to you, roll over, and be able to truthfully say “good morning beautiful” again, right?

Wrong.

You don’t have to hide your imperfections for the next person around. What this relationship has taught you is that there are men capable of loving you for just you and not seeing these trivial flaws. This was only one out of 7.125 billion—chances are you’ll get lucky again. Take this time to appreciate your absolutely gorgeous self all on your own. You don’t need anyone else to tell you that you’re beautiful because you already know you are with every fiber of your being.

You are smart. Letting someone in who turned out not to be worth it may leave you feeling stupid and used. How can you ever trust yourself to make the right choices in men now?! The fact of the matter is that you are smart and they are not. You gave everything you had and so much more. You loved with all your heart, and that will never be something to be ashamed of no matter how stupid you feel right now. You’ll learn from this guy and move on.

You are funny. Your personality shines so brightly and radiates from your smile and your laugh. You fill the room with joy, provide entertainment to all social interactions, and another guy will appreciate that some day. But for now, appreciate that yourself. Learn to laugh at your own jokes and be your own best friend (you also have me for that, but duh). If you can learn to love being with just you, you’ll never be lonely again.

You are worth it. He obviously didn’t think so, but he is seriously misguided. All of your friends and family can see it so why he can’t, and more importantly why you can’t, is inconceivable. You are more than worth it. You are an intelligent, kind girl who has more love in her heart to give than any man thus far deserves. And yet you’re still willing to give it. No one could possibly be good enough for you in my eyes, and you are worthy of it all.

And finally…

You are better off. Maybe you don’t want to hear that right now. You’re still so in love that you’re praying he’ll apologize and beg for you back. But even if he does, You. Are. Better. Off. He broke your heart in ways that should never be repaired by the same person. Take the time to fix yourself. All on your own. Take the time to become independent and stop putting his happiness above yours. And one day, you will find another person who will appreciate everything that he did not, and love you for every reason he didn’t, and will kiss the metaphorical scars on your heart and never even come close to breaking it again. That is what you deserve. If your love does not feel like a fairytale, you’re not doing it right. You deserve the cheesy rom-com ending, and you are better off.

Now read that last paragraph over five times until you start to believe it too.

Not that this really needs to be said, but I will always be there when the guys in your life are not. I will always be willing to pick up your broken pieces no matter how many times they get broken. I will always be supportive of your decisions as long as you are happy. I love you more than anything on this planet and you could never have anyone who is more loyal to your heart and your happiness than me.

I will never give up on you, and I will never let you down.