You broke my heart and got me to see every bad quality in myself. I hated you for a while. But, I now realize that I never should have hated you: I should have always been thankful that you were a part of my life at one point. You made me understand that I deserve better than what I had been dealing with, that I needed to stop letting people walk all over me and talk to me like I was nothing. Since you left I have become more confident in my own shoes and get the respect I know I deserve.

You made me understand that I was a person worthy of love and forgiveness. I think back to the day where I was screaming and begging you not to leave me, and all the awful things I yelled at you. I hope you can forgive me. I never wanted you to be hurt; I was just confused about how you could get me to be someone I loved, then expect me to maintain that person without you by my side.

Our breakup may have been the best thing that ever happened to me. It broke me down. It made me see all the anger I held inside and it made me face it. There was no running away from myself, only learning to accept and love who I am. Don't get me wrong, our relationship was the happiest I had been — but our breakup was somewhat of a blessing to me.

You taught me so much; to have patience, not to trust so easy, to protect myself, to love myself, to ensure that my happiness was existent, and that if I dress for success I'll reach it. I can't thank you enough for that.

I still wear the necklace you gave me, not only because it's gorgeous and you spent forever picking it out and hiding it from me, but because it is a daily reminder of how strong I am and how much a person can care about me. I deserve to be cared for and looked out for; you made me realize that.

I hope the path you followed led you to your own happiness, and to realize what an amazing guy you are. Thank you for everything you taught me. I am in a much better place now, I owe some of that to you.