Recently there has been an Odyssey article going around my Facebook wall called "To The Best Friend Who Decided We Aren't Friends Anymore." Here is my response.
Dear Old Friend,
I look back at our good days, and sometime I smile. Other times I remember how poorly you treated me, and how I was always your back up. I remember how much fun we used to have, until you started to ditch me because a better option came along. I remember the long talks, the silly games and the many, many fights.
I haven't talked to you in a long time. I haven't cared what you were up to, but I still want what's best for you. I haven't made the time to hang out, but that's because I have new friends who treat me well. You used to call me your best friend, but you never acted like it. Instead of being there, I didn't know how to find you, and instead of us trying to find a good time to hang out, you expected me to change my plans.
We were friends for a long time. It took me a long time to realize that I wasn't who you said I was. You always talked about our future, but you didn't make time in the now. The worst part is that you had no idea. I would tell you these things, all of your old friends would, but you never listened. You always expected us to be there but we were tired of waiting.
It's not me, it's you. You were not a good friend, you were never there for me, you caused me heartache and you never changed. I needed to get out. I couldn't surround myself with that. Only now do I realize what a good friend is, and maybe you've grown. Maybe now you know how to be that friend, but it's too late. My memories are soiled. I want what's best for you. I want you to be happy, but not by me. I don't miss our walks, or our spontaneous trips. I don't miss the funny pictures and weird games.
We've grown and changed. I don't miss us. Thanks for the years of fun, fighting and playing. Thanks for helping me grow, and realize that it's okay to put myself first if I need to. Thanks for showing me what a good friend looks like. I decided not to be your friend because you decided first, only you didn't mean to.
I wasn't trying to hurt you, or betray you. I wasn't trying to leave you helpless. I was doing what was best for us. If you called me up, and needed a friend, I may be there. But I won't always be. I moved on. It was what was best for me, even though it hurt. At first I missed having a friend to do anything with. I missed being so close to you. Those feelings are gone. I changed for the better. I'm sorry that it didn't include you, but I don't regret it.
I decided not to be friends with you. Not because I didn't care, but because I cared so much about someone who didn't recognize what I was worth.
Love,
Your friend who decided not to be friends with you anymore.
