I would like to start by saying thank you. Thank you for teaching me to value my self-worth and setting me on a journey of self-acceptance. This isn't about one particular person, just all of the boys that taught me to love myself before loving someone else.

You taught me that I should never let a man make my decisions. I spent years of my life letting guys tell me what I could wear, who I could talk to, and what my future held. I kept all of these controlling habits hidden because if I didn't say them out loud I was able to ignore them longer. I pretended to be happy around my family, but my mom and sister saw through it all. I was just so blinded by any attention I was shown that I couldn't face the truth. I was so afraid of facing a life alone that I was willing to suffer in a relationship for all the wrong reasons. Thank you for making me realize that I was fully capable of supporting myself.

You also taught me that family will always be there. I will never forget sitting at my sister's house after one of my breakups and her just holding me. I learned to trust my mom's instincts and most importantly trust God's plan. I saw my brother and step-dad protect me and act as if I was still their little girl. None of this would have been possible if it weren't for you. I was able to grow closer with my friends and family because I was no longer being weighed down by the burden of an unhealthy relationship. I'm not saying the people I dated were awful, but I am saying we were toxic together. The end of these relationships was only just the beginning.

Most importantly, thank you for leading me to my soulmate. If it weren't for you I would have never had the confidence to go after the man of my dreams, the man I will soon call my husband. He treats me with more love and respect than I probably deserve. He proves to me that chivalry isn't dead and calls me beautiful every day. He loves me unconditionally and puts up with me on my worst days. I never feel like a burden to him and not once has he made me feel inferior. He is so kind to everyone he meets and is the best uncle. That's right, he spends time with my family, and they love him. I would have never been able to say these things about you, and that's okay. I truly hope you find your person someday and can give them nothing less than what they deserve.

To all of those girls who are devastated about a boy, don't be. More than likely it wasn't meant to be and that's alright. Use this time to discover yourself and determine where you want your life to go. Never settle for unhappiness because it is easy or comfortable. Find the person that gives you butterflies and who your mom adores. He is out there, I promise.