It is hard to see someone you cared about so much at one point in your life suddenly not take part in your life at all. Someone you saw every day, made memories with, thought you were going to marry or thought they would be your future bridesmaid. From all of that feeling and emotion, to nothing. To sadness, regret, confusion, and anger.

Sometimes this person comes in the form of a best friend, a significant other, or even a mentor or family member. You did everything together - weekend trips to the local amusement park, and they helped you get over your fear of the roller coaster you dreaded riding since you were little. You shared your hopes, dreams, and were each other’s number one fan.

But, something changed that.

There was some falling out, they cheated on you, or maybe you don’t know what happened, they just decided to abandon you. But, you’re no longer united. You’re not the dynamic duo you once were, the inseparable unit.

Regardless of what anyone says, it’s hard.

It’s never easy suddenly not having your other half by your side. But how do you move forward with life? I won’t say it’s easy, because trust me, it is not. It’s like a piece of you is missing.

But, they hurt you. They turned your back on you, said something mean, or broke your trust. Realize that.

I had a best friend who I cherished dearly, and I loved them with all of my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed their company, we had the same sense of humor and knew how to have fun together, and I had never met anyone like them. I was so happy to have such an amazing other half. But one cold part of our lives, they decided I wasn’t what they needed and left me. It was heartbreaking. They described me with hurtful words and terms to my face, and I was crushed. It felt like the love of my life had broken up with me, but it wasn’t a romantic relationship. I was being framed as the bully, when I knew with confidence I wasn’t. But, I let that affect me and make me feel like the wrongdoer. It took awhile, but I healed. I lived, and learned.

Take it as a learning experience. If I learned anything from my toxic relationship with my former best friend, I learned to take it as an experience that I know to avoid in the future. I know what traits to watch out for, to not let myself be bossed around, and to make sure to show my friends how much I love them. Today, I have come out of this experience with the best friends I could ask for, who will not turn their back on me. I have a support system, rather than someone bossing me around and holding me back. I learned to surround myself with people who see the best traits in me, not who point out the negative things.