We often have things we don't want to say. Whether it's because we think it could hurt us or others, we're afraid of the outcome, or we can't find the right words to say, it happens to all of us. I think we often forget that we're not the only ones to have these feelings, and that sometimes the best option is to just put everything we have to say out there. It might be terrifying, but it's in our toughest times that we grow the most. So, here goes. Here are some things that I think are the hardest for so many of us to say.

I love you.

Now, I don't just mean to your mom or dad. I mean, for the first time to a significant other. Or maybe to your best friend or someone you really care about. Saying "I love you" is making yourself incredibly vulnerable; what if they don't say it back or don't feel the same way? Putting yourself out there and telling someone that of all things you could feel about them, it's love, can be terrifying. (Admitting you have feelings for someone, in general, is a pretty hard thing to do.)

I still love you.

Maybe you fell out of love. Maybe they hurt you. Maybe you hurt them. Maybe life just decided things weren't meant to be right now. Regardless, telling someone that you still love them even after all that you've been through together is really hard to admit (especially if feelings aren't mutual).

I'm sorry.

It can be for something drastic, or something little. Sometimes just admitting that you were in the wrong and apologizing can be difficult.

I'm hurting.

Admitting that yes, I am hurting, and no, I am not okay, is hard. It's not always easy to show your weaknesses and show a soft side. We don't always want to admit that we aren't as tough as we'd like the world to see us as.

I need help.

This can be emotionally, mentally, physically, or even financially. Many times we want to come off as independent and strong to other people. Asking for help completely counteracts that. But, sometimes things don't get better unless we do.

You don't make me happy (anymore).

Telling someone that they're no longer the light in your life that brightens your day is easier said than done. This can actually be heartbreaking (not only to them, but also to you). It's hard to admit that someone no longer puts a smile on your face and doesn't make you as happy as they once did.

I'm done.

And no, not like the I'm done with work done. Like the you're toxic in my life and can no longer be a part of it done. Being straight up honest with someone and saying you can't have them in your life anymore can be pretty challenging. (Especially because you can't really predict how they'll react.)

Life is hard.

While we all know this, it's sometimes difficult to admit it. We want life to look easy and have little to no pain to it. But, let's be real. Life can downright suck sometimes. (And you might as well just say it because everyone else knows it too.)

I want the best for you, even if that's not with me.

This can honest to God be painful. It's hard to just come out and say that you want someone to be happy and successful in life, regardless of whether you're a part of those decisions or not. (And honestly, it might be a little heartbreaking to lose someone and get completely cut off. It's okay.)

I don't want to talk about my past.

You might meet someone in life who wants to know every single little thing about you; your past, present and future. But, you may not want to bring up your past. Maybe it's embarrassing, you're ashamed, or maybe it's just not a place you'd like to go back to. We all have those moments. (All I can say is that I hope whoever brings it up can respect that you're not willing to discuss it.)

I miss you.

Whether this is a friend, significant other, family member, or ex-anything, this is hard. Saying that without seeing them often or having them near, you miss them, can be tough to admit. On the other hand, sometimes knowing you're missed can mean a lot.

I need time and space to think.

This can be with anyone, not just in a relationship. Not only is this hard to do, it's hard to tell someone without offending them. Will they understand, or will they be upset you want time away from them?

While these are all incredibly general "things" we think, I think they're all something we've encountered in life. So, the next time you have a hard time saying one of these, remember that you're not the first or only person having a difficult time admitting what you really want to say. (And also remember that being tough and making it through it will only make you stronger.)