Dear First Love,
It’s been years since we've dated, I know this. There have been many dates, texts, and kisses with other people since us, I know this too. But, I also know that you were the first person I ever loved, and because of that I have some things to say to you.
I don’t want to take this time to bash our relationship, no matter the hurt we might have placed on each other. We were young, immature, new at this. We didn’t know how to kiss or say sorry or not flirt with other people, and that is okay. Our relationship was more than just the hurt. It was a new chapter of life that I opened and was excited about. It was the first time I had butterflies in my stomach and a giddy feeling inside my heart. It was refreshing and way too unfamiliar, in a good way.
That’s why I’m here right now. I want to thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have properly grown into the woman that I am today. I wouldn’t have realized that you can’t love someone else fully until you love yourself first. I wouldn’t know that I’m beautiful in my own way, something you reminded me often. You embraced my flaws and comforted me when I grew insecure about them.
You showed me the value of instilling trust into someone from the beginning, even if I’m skeptical of them. You never know, they could prove you wrong. Trust is such a key component in the game of love. Without it, the relationship will tear itself apart. Thank you for proving me wrong and showing me this.
Because of our love, I now embrace the little things in life, like the compliment coming from a stranger, or a person holding open the door for me. Thank you for those small things that made a big difference, like the little notes you left me. Our time together was suddenly gone in the blink of an eye, so in an effort to not let the good pass me by too quickly, I take in special moments and truly embrace them. This is something I wish I did when we spent the day riding roller coasters in the summer or jumping around at that one concert.
I know, it has been such a long time. Life has matured us, we live in different places, became adults. Our love story came and went just like the wind, but that’s the thing. Other guys have come and go, but it's you that stands out. It's you who means something to me. You were the first boy to love me and break my heart, and for that I will never forget you. A sliver of the person you are will remain with me forever, and help me to love others better. I’m older now, and I'd like to think of myself as wiser. I can’t help but think that the first love I had with you is part of the reason why.
Sincerely,
A Better Me
