Dear ______,

I'm writing this because I've finally had a moment of self-reflection. I have had many boys in my life before you, many after you, and you were not the only one I had been in a relationship with. Through all of my experiences, I can honestly say that you were the only one that broke my heart.

I want to thank you.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. When you broke up with me, it seemed as though my world had "shattered". This was not the case. At the time I could not understand your reasoning, and I could not shake the heartbreak and sadness I was feeling. I understand now.

You made me understand what it feels like to be selfless, and you helped me become more understanding. You made me laugh until I cried, and you knew how to make me laugh when I was crying. You made me a better person.

A long period of time has gone by and I've had other boys after you, none who have stayed. I don't let my guard down like I used to and I'm stronger than I ever have been. Thank you for making me feel so alone that I had no choice to be independent. Thank you for unknowingly enabling me to love myself.

A year has gone by-maybe longer I lost track and it doesn't hurt me to look at you anymore. Thank you for letting yourself become a stranger. Thank you for just leaving me alone. Our messy ending to our tragic love story has let me heal and have peace with myself.

Thank you for making me scared to love someone again, thank you for letting me know to hold out for someone good. Recently, I almost had another boy in my grasp and it fell apart and I'm thankful for that. I know deep down it wasn't going to work so thank you for letting me be that cautious. I'm pickier than I used to be.

I've mopped myself off the floor, I cried many months over you, I missed your very presence in my life, and now I don't. It doesn't hurt that we weren't meant to be. I know now that everything happens for a reason and I know now that it's okay.

I know I don't need anyone to take me out on cute dates, buy me a coffee in the morning, and be a constant variable in my life. I know now that that's just a luxury and that will come when I finally meet a boy who will never hurt me the way you did. I know now that one day someone's never going to be so sure that he wants me in his life. He's never going to make me feel alone, he's going to support my thoughts and ambitions, and he's not going to play games with my head. But until that day I'm perfectly fine. I'm fine with being independent and I thank you for that. I'm finally able to do my own thing.

You're never going to read this, you're never going to know this article exists, and I'm okay with it. I don't need you in my life, you're a stranger to me, so much time has passed, I don't want you in my life, but I thank you regardless. You, my dear first heartbreak, have taught me so much about love and living and life. I can carry the pieces of myself perfectly fine, because I'm not in pieces anymore. I'm not in shambles. I am perfectly fine with being me and this whole piece of me is ready for someone to complete me. It could be in a few months, or a few years. Regardless, I'm okay.