We have all been in relationships that hurt us but without those we could not have grown up to be the strong people we are now, so here’s to the relationships that made us grow up.

People doubted us, and we eventually doubted ourselves too. I learned that doubt tears relationships apart. I apologize for expecting more from you than I should have, and I am sorry for relying solely on you. You helped me learn that no one is perfect and complete dependency on one person only tears him or her down.

Our relationship taught me how important it is to keep other friends. We spent all of our time together and I pushed others away. Although I loved your friendship I needed others as well. After we broke up I was lucky to have such great friends to be there, but I know now that during any relationship, time apart is crucial.

Our relationship taught me to love myself. I spent too much time thinking about you and your decisions over my own. I have become so independent, and some may say guarded, but I am simply just putting myself first.

I blamed you for multiple things, both physically and emotionally, when we were equally at fault. In the end, I was angry with you for the things you said to me but I never thought about how you were affected by any of it. I know now how hard it is to get over someone you loved and I’m sorry for thinking it did not affect you.

Not everything about our relationship was terrible, we had some great times, and we just had to decide whether the good outweighed the bad or not. Let me tell you, that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Deciding on ending things for good or suffering through the fights is not an easy decision. But, I learned that I should not have to decide alone. It should be a team effort. I wish we had learned to work together instead of against one another but I see now the importance of it all.

After some time, I now understand the differences between a strong relationship and a weak one and ours made me realize just that. It honestly does take two people to make a relationship work, but it also takes two to make one end. I walked away hurt and confused but looking back I have learned so much.

I know things between us ended in a spiteful way and we were both hurt, but I never said thank you.

Thank you for making me realize the kind of relationship I wanted in my life.

Thank you for showing me how to truly care about a person.

Thank you for being my best friend at the time.

And, thank you for helping me grow up.