Anyone who has read my writing knows that I don’t like to write about personal issues. Even using the informal “I” in articles makes me cringe. I tend to be removed from my writing, and explore topics as different as fashion and the alarming death rate of bees, and everything in between.

However, anyone who actually knows me knows that the past few months have been anything but easy. At the beginning of this semester, I went through a break up. I was treated cruelly when someone I thought I knew for over a year moved away and completely blocked me out of their life overnight. It was brutal, and that’s all I’m going to say about it.

I changed. The girl who used to love going out started staying in and sleeping all day. The girl who used to be outgoing and sarcastic became quiet and serious. I was cautious of every new person I met. I lost my appetite. Most of all, my self-confidence changed. All because one idiot didn’t recognize my true worth, I became very self-conscious, and doubted whether or not the people in my life actually liked me; and questioned how they even could.

But every day, my friends reminded me that I was worthy, smart, beautiful, and, most of all, loved. And they didn’t just do this through actions. Some days they could just see on my face that I was struggling, and they would verbally nag me with all the things I needed to hear until I couldn’t help but feel whole again.

I’ve learned that family and true friends will always be there for you, no matter how inconvenient it is. After a long while of me removing myself from social events and lying in bed while listening to sad music, any fake or flimsy friend would have given up on me. But not my friends, they rallied around me, building me up every single day. My friends have sacrificed nights just sitting with me, talking all night or watching funny movies. They’ve greeted me with warm hugs and reminded me that I did nothing to deserve the situation that was thrust upon me. They’ve put their foot down and refused to let me stay in bed all day or speak of myself negatively. They’ve taken me out to dance and have fun, and have reminded me of who I am; what a fun-loving person I am without all the negative feelings crowding my head. They've forced me out of hiding, and it was for the best.

And while I’ve realized the beauty and blessing of true friends, I’ve also realized the extent of true paternal love. Even though my parents are 1,000 miles away in Boston, they’ve been anything but distant. My parents each started calling me three times a day. Multiple times – so many that I can’t count – my dad has called me or left me voicemails just to say “Hey, today is a great day! I love you!” My mom even flew down to Charleston at the drop of a hat. She endured a four hour flight just to be here for 24 hours, and all the while she helped me cleanse my life and get back on track. She even took me out for my favorite food, and threw some maternally-funded retail therapy my way.

My parents have allowed me, actually encouraged me, to be honest with them and talk to them whenever I need to; about anything. My parents have given me incredible advice, and I’ve learned that no one understands me as much as them. Sometimes there are certain people in your life that say things in a way that just makes sense to you. They give you simple advice and something in your head just clicks; you get it. For me, those people in my life are my parents.

After a while of all this TLC, something amazing happened. I started to slowly feel like myself again – my true self, the person I was before I met my ex. The girl who spends nights listening to vinyl and reading contemporary novels and Romantic poetry. The girl who goes on long walks alone just to feel the sun, and pets every dog along the way. The girl who cooks barefoot in the kitchen while listening to Billy Joel. The girl who is kind, sarcastic, and unfazed by the opinions of others.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: I have never felt more loved in my life than I do now, in this very chapter of my life, in this very second. Whoever is reading this, I can guarantee you that no one cares for you more than your friends and family. Whether you are in a relationship or not, never neglect your support system, because they are the people who will actually be there for you through thick and thin. They will help build you up when you fall apart and don’t have the energy to piece yourself back together.

Go hug your best friend, call your parents and tell them you love them, and most of all – remember to love yourself. Don’t let idiots make you sad. Don’t let the world make you cold.