You,

I was so in love with you.

You were my everything.

We fell for each other fast.

I loved everything about you. I loved how you said my name. I loved your tousled hair. I loved the smell of your cologne. I loved you so much that I put you before myself, and that is a mistake I will never make again.

I cared for you in times of sickness. I consoled you in times of distress. I was your rock when your temper got the best of you. I became a part of your family. I planned all of our dates. I thought of you always. I told you I loved you endlessly. I did everything for you. I was there for you when no one else was. I was the only person you could trust with your inner demons. I knew you better than you knew yourself.

I wonder if you have any remorse for treating me so disrespectfully. You put me last, when I always put you first. You gave 50 percent, when I gave it my all. You pushed me away when all I wanted was your affection. You made derogatory, rude comments towards me, and I was unresisting to them. You made me vulnerable. You made me cry on my bathroom floor, with heartache swelling in my chest and the sting of tears in my eyes. You made me submissive to your manipulative control. You told me I wasn’t good enough. You broke my trust. But worst of all, you made me feel as though I should apologize for being who I am.

I want to thank you. Thank you for the learning experience. Thank you for making me a better woman. Thank you for making me resilient. Thank you for teaching me the importance of self-respect. Thank you for showing me how to walk away. Thank you for making me realize that I lost who I was. Thank you for helping me to discover my inner strength. Thank you for making me realize how I deserve to be treated. Thank you for teaching me to enjoy my own company. Thank you for giving me the tools to help other women who share my struggles. Thank you for setting me free. Thank you for making me realize that I deserve better.

One day you will realize that you let go of your precious diamond to play around with worthless pebbles.

You didn’t deserve me.

Sincerely,

The new me.