"You have to let people go. Everyone who's in your life is meant to be in your journey, but not all of them are meant to stay until the end."

People come and go in life. Not everyone is meant to stay. Some people are only meant to come into our lives for a short period of time; possibly to teach us a lesson about others, or maybe even to teach us a lesson about ourselves. Although it can really hurt to lose a friendship that was thought to last forever, it is good to know who is truly going to be there no matter what. Sometimes, it can take a few failed friendships to realize this. It can also take a few friendships to realize that it is okay to say no to people. That it is okay to end a friendship if it is limiting, negative, or toxic. Let go of anything that prevents self growth, or causes pain. Life is too short to be hanging on to things, or people, that limit our joy.

It is very important that we recognize our self worth. To know that we deserve the best and for people to treat us kindly and with respect. True friendship is when a person embraces every part of us, is patient with us, and encourages us; and we do the same for that person. Friendship is a two way street, and both people deserve to benefit from the relationship. With that being said, they will never and should never last if one person is putting in all the work, or if one person doesn't feel valued.

Sometimes, we need to take a step back and assess the situation. It can be hard to notice when a friend is toxic if you are always with them. It may also be easier to accept some of the harshness that we face if we consider that person to be our "best friend". No one wants to have the tough conversation that a close friend hurt our feelings, but the truth is that friends should be honest with each other no matter what. If that person doesn't accept that they hurt you, then they do not have your best interest in mind. If they place the blame on you for the feelings that you have, then they are not your friend.

Friendships should help us grow, and they should not be the source of our misery. If we find ourselves in a bad mood every time we're around one of our "friends", or we feel as though we have to hide part of our personality in order for someone to like us, that means that it's time to move on. Even if it means that we have to be alone for a brief period of time. Being alone is better than being surrounded by people who don't want what's best for you. Besides, it gives us time to do some soul searching, and leaves an open space for real friends to fill.

Ending a friendship is never easy; but by being able to identify the warning signs of a toxic relationship, we can protect ourselves from those types of relationships in the future. We become more secure with ourselves, and it shows that we respect ourselves enough to know what we deserve. Life is tough, that's why we have friends to lift us up, not tear us down. The more we surround ourselves with people who love and care about us, the better people we become, and the more we are able to enjoy life.