I'm sure that most of you have been with someone who has taught you a lot. You have put up with a lot more than you should have because you were blinded by your feelings for this person. You made excuses for the way they treated you because the thought of sticking up for yourself and potentially losing this person was unbearable. You know there is good in this person, but you made the excuse that he was just bad at showing it. Sure, you love him...but don't wander from yourself to get close to someone else. Here is the truth...

Dear you,

You have taught me so much. At first, you were this cute innocent boy that I had the biggest crush on. Your smile would brighten my day and everything seemed to be okay when I was with you. The more I learned about you, the harder I fell. I put you first and would do anything you needed. Looking back on it, I guess I treated you how I wanted to be treated. Gradually, you got used to having me around. You would ask me to do things because you knew I had a hard time saying no. I began changing my expectations because I was let down time and time again. I cried myself to sleep often because I knew that you weren't the guy for me, but I didn't want to get used to not having you around. I just let you treat me like shit because I was worried that sticking up for myself would result in me losing you. But why? Obviously I never truly had you if speaking my opinion pushed you away that easily.. You weren't ready for a relationship and it was foolish of me to think that I would be an exception. Looking back on it, you taught me so much.

You taught me that my opinion is important. It's okay to speak up for myself. If that results in you leaving, then you clearly weren't here for the right reasons from the beginning.

You taught me that my expectations should never be lowered. You should NEVER settle for less than you deserve.

You taught me that you can't look for someone who doesn't want to be found. I can't fix you. I can't even be there for you if you don't let me.

You taught me that I should never sacrifice my happiness for anyone.

You taught me that you aren't a bad person, but the timing was wrong.

You taught me that there is someone else out there who deserves me.

You taught me what I don't deserve. I don't deserve to be treated how you treated me.

Lastly, you have taught me that I deserve a hell of a lot more than you.

So, thank you. I don't regret being with you, but what you have taught me are lessons that will last a lifetime.