Dear You,
I get it. I was an easy target; unbelievably shy, awkward and I really had no one on my side. Tearing me down was probably easy for you, because you knew I wouldn’t dare say anything back and neither would anyone else in fear of being the next target. Whether you did it because you ruled the school, or you were mean just because you could be, here’s to you.
I don’t want to thank you, because you made my life miserable, but I don’t want to say I hate you either. To you this may seem petty, because after all this was a long time ago, but what you may not realize is that it will have an effect on me for a very long time. I never understood how people so mean could have so many other friends to back them up, but now I see they did it so they didn’t end up like me.
The words you said and the pranks you played left marks on me that still haven’t faded, but at the end of the day, I am glad you chose me. Sure, I was an easy target at first, but I refused to let you ruin me completely. I am glad you chose me, because other people could have never handled feeling the way you made me feel, but I did. The things you put me through are things that I wouldn’t even wish on you. I spent so much time wondering why I had to be the one you decided to tear down, but now I understand. My suffering happened, because I could handle the pain. I became your target so someone else who wasn’t strong enough didn’t have to suffer.
You took me apart and managed to emphasize everything I disliked about myself and I am stronger for it. Yes, I still battle with my self-esteem, but I’ve realized that the things you pointed out don’t matter. Just because you never found me to be pretty or talented or cool, doesn’t mean someone won’t love me and it definitely doesn’t mean I won’t love myself. While you hurt me, you taught me how to defend myself and how to keep pushing when everything hurt.
So, I’d just like to let you know, I am doing great. College is amazing, the people are amazing, and with every day that passes your words mean less and less. I am better than the names you called me and the jokes you played. I’m sorry you had to tear me down to build yourself up, but in the end you never broke me. I am beautiful and I am loved, and I will never be hurt by people like you again.
To those dealing with bullies right now, it does get better and they do go away, so stay strong. Happiness isn’t far away, and you are so much better than their words.
Sincerely,
The Girl Who Wouldn’t Let You Break Her
