After weeks of reflecting on my most recent break up I have come to terms with the idea that in our lives only one romantic relationship is going to last. Whether the wrong relationship lasts for weeks or years only one will last to the end of our lives. If we are lucky we find that one early and even in the struggles get to be happily together “forever”, but this letter is not to “the one” they get enough credit as it is. This letter is to all the relationships that did not work out. Whether we ended things on good terms or have not spoken since you all deserve some credit. So here is to the relationships that had to end.

To begin, I just want to say thank you. I mean this in the most genuine way possible, thank you. Even if we ended on awful terms at some point in my life you were exactly what I needed and wanted so thank you for that. You made me so happy for a while maybe in times I could not seem to make myself happy, and you supported me when I needed it most. There are so many things you did for me which I will never be able to repay. While we were together you made me feel so loved and even if everything ended horribly that initial love was something I will always be grateful for.

You taught me things about myself I would have taken forever to figure out on my own. You taught me that I love to be by myself a majority of the time, but when I wanted to be surrounded by love you were there. You helped me realize that fighting is exhausting and as an adult there are so many times when it is not necessary. Screaming and crying makes me feel awful and you taught me that I should love myself more and stay away from people that make me feel that way.

Thank you above all for showing me what I deserve. I deserve someone who respects my wishes and when I say no understands I mean it. I am a hard headed strong woman and I deserve someone who accepts that and does not expect me to change. I deserve someone who has my best interests in mind and understands that my dreams come before any boy. I deserve someone who loves me so deeply that my cheeks hurt from smiling too much and that learns my way of returning love. Without all of the failed relationships I would not have learned any of this.

Heart break sucks, but without pain we could never appreciate the good. I do not regret a single relationship I had or how it turned out, every end and bad situation just makes me more ready for when I find the “one”. I have gained insights and friendships I could have never imagined and I have grown to be more myself at every end. So here is to you relationships of my past, without you I would not be me.