I’m sure there are many people that have been in unhealthy relationships, whether it be a friend or romantic one. So, I bet most can relate to feeling betrayed or unwanted. What I didn’t realize was how being in toxic relationships could change me for the better.

1. Realizing my Self Worth

After letting several people treat me terribly for so long, I thought that was how I deserved to be treated. Removing myself from mentally abusive people taught me that I deserve to be surrounded by people that treat me with respect, and I am not going to settle for anything less than that.

2. Confidence is Key

As a teenage girl, I had never been the most confident person, so I would seek attention from boys to make me feel better about myself. It took me 18 years to realize that not only myself but every single person is important and beautiful and I don’t need a boy to validate that for me. Being confident is the most empowering feeling I have ever experienced, and I will never let anyone take it away from me.

3. Being Single is OK

For so long being in a relationship or “having a thing” with someone was so important to me. I wanted to be in a bad relationship more than I wanted to be single, so I prolonged something that should’ve ended a lot sooner than it did. I am now single and happier than ever.

4. Quality over Quantity

I thought the only way to be happy was to “be popular” and have tons of friends. I would trade almost anything to have a “squad”. For so long I only had 3 people that made me feel good out of about 20 “friends”. Cutting off everyone that made me feel worthless was the best choice I’ve ever made. I now have only a couple close friends, but I value our friendships more than anything, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

So, to everyone that has ever mistreated me: thank you because I wouldn’t be this strong if it wasn’t for you.