For those of you who have had lasting friendships, you know that there are always ups and downs, and the true test of friendship is whether or not you can see past the now and focus on strengthening the bond between the two of you. Friendships are so very important, and arguments and fights help you realize that they aren't perfect, but they're worth it. Sometimes, even, your friends hurt you, and you have to tell them that they did so, and when you try to go back to being the way you were, it just isn't the same. So, here's a letter I've written to the friends that I gave a second chance.

Dear Friend,

I love you. I've always loved you. From the first time that I met you, I knew that we were going to have a stronger bond than everyone else. The fact that you let me be as weird as I am and still go along with it is commendable, because others haven't found that trait about me quite as endearing.

I missed you during our time apart. I watched you make friends with other people. I watched you live a life that I was no longer a part of. For whatever reason, we stopped talking, and I just want you to know that it was killing me inside, even though I never got to express it to you. I was really hurt, and you evidently didn't seem to realize it.

But when we were apart, I had some time to think. I realized just how much I love you. I also realized that if you had decided you no longer wanted to be my friend, I love you enough that I would let you go. I respect your opinions, I listen to you, and I am here for you. There will never be time when you come to me for help, and I will say no, because I know that if the roles were reversed, I would be devastated if someone said no to me.

I was happy when we ended up settling our differences, because, like I said before, our time apart was hard. There wasn't anyone else I could talk to, anyone I could confide in, and it's hard to keep your feelings locked away inside for a long time. Who else am I going to talk to about the cute boy I met at a frat party?

But I also realized that this is the last time that I will be giving you a second chance. You have learned over the time we've spent together that I take my friendships very seriously, and playing with my emotions like this is cruel. I feel everything so very deeply, and to have you come and cut me deep like that shows me that you aren't as aware as I am of the feelings between us.

I will never not help you. I will never be on the other side of the phone call refusing to help you through a problem. I will never, ever treat you the way that you treated me.

And maybe you're thinking, "Wow. But then, we are still friends, right?"

And, sure, our friendship will probably survive this hiccup. But I will not be the same friend that you left. I respect myself enough to know how my friends should treat me, and you will not be allowed to treat me that way ever again. I've spent my entire life as a doormat to other people, and I know now that I don't deserve to feel that way. Ever.

This is one of those "tough love" moments, because you know that I love you, and you should know that I am probably one of the best friends you are ever going to have. If you choose to throw that away, I'm not going to stop you. But don't come back expecting the same treatment as before, because I'm a one chance kind of girl, and you knew that from the beginning.

Love,

Miller