Growing up there are certain people who shape you into the person who you are today. For some, it’s family, for others it’s friends. And for most it’s a combination of the two. For me, you were one of those people. Over the years we’ve drifted apart, but the memories will always be fresh in my mind. Many of them are good, but undoubtedly some are bad or else we would still be close. Regardless, all of those memories are a part of the journey that led to me where I am today.

I’ll never forget the first time we met. Initially it was plagued with awkwardness, but as that quickly melted away so did the guards that we both had up. I never was able to truly be myself with a friend until you. We laughed until we cried, acted weird without caring what other people thought of us, and always had so much fun. I’ll always cherish those late night conversations talking about anything and everything, all of the scary movies when we were too scared to watch other than from behind our fingers, the shopping sprees when we spent more than we should have, and so much more. I think about all of these more often than I’d like to admit.

But as great as all these memories are, they, unfortunately, don’t change the fact that we’re no longer friends. Somewhere along the line things started to go astray and we drifted. Our lives began to go in different directions and the friendship began to change. I constantly felt conflicted between saying how I truly felt about certain things and just biting my tongue for the sake of all of those amazing memories. Over time, it became harder and harder for me to push my feelings aside until our friendship came to a head.

We both share the fault and it doesn’t fall simply on one of us. We both did and said things that we probably shouldn't have, but we can’t change that. That’s life. All we can do is learn from it. There were things you did that deeply hurt me and I did things that hurt you too. And for that I’m sorry.

With time I have been able to process our once-close relationship and now have nothing but good feelings. The anger and annoyances I had regarding our falling out have melted away to the point where I can look back and smile. Sometimes I really miss you and have the urge to text you. I see something that reminds me of you and makes we want to tell you, but then I remember that we don’t have that relationship anymore.

And that’s OK. We have such a deep history filled with memories that will stay with me forever. You truly helped me find out who I am and feel comfortable with myself. You helped me open up and not care about what others thought. Most importantly, you showed me how great a friendship can be.

I will always love you and wish you nothing but the best. You were a huge part of my life and always will be. No matter what happens or where life takes us, I will always be here if you need anything. Thank you for the years of laughs and smiles, I will take them with me forever.

Love,

Your former friend