We all have that best friend who we have grown apart from. Throughout the years, it got harder because reality sank in and being far away was worse than you thought. Through the ups and the downs, hoping that your friendship would last through the tough times like you always told each other it would. Turns out, it just couldn't happen the way you wanted it too. Trust me life gets better when you realize that real friends will stick by your side through distance or any obstacle that gets in the way.

1. You've taught me what to do and what not to do.

Real friends will stick by your side no matter what. They will put a smile on your face when they are in the room with you, next to you, through a text message, and even when they are in a different state or better yet country. They wouldn't leave your side even if they are sick of hearing you cry about that stupid boy who has broken your heart a million times before (they probably hate them, but they will give you good advice anyways). They will listen to you complain about the dumbest things because you just need to get it off your chest. Friends don't leave when it gets hard and they don't leave when the distance becomes a thing. They should always want to be by your side no matter what. They should want to listen about your day, and check in every once in awhile to see how you are doing. It shouldn't be weeks, months, or years since the last time you have heard from them. It gets better.

2. You've made my heart stronger.

I can't tell you how many times I've cried over losing a best friend because I thought my world was ending. What was I going to do without that person to call daily, to text when I needed help on girly things ASAP, to go on a walk with when I needed to vent or to tell me I looked hideous in the new outfit I bought? Damn, what was I going to do? You have to convince yourself, that the person isn't worth your time anymore. Just like we are told in relationships "there are so many fish in the sea," this works with friendships too. Your person is out there, waiting for you, looking for you, just like you are doing now. My heart has opened up to many different people to play the role that you did, but even better. Just because one door closes, doesn't mean another one won't open. There is someone who is willing to be there every step of the way. Trust me, It gets better.

3. You've taught me what to look for in a friend.

You have taught me that even though I thought you were my "BFF," there is no such thing as forever. Take your life day by day, and make all the friends you can make. Don't limit yourself to just one friend. Learn to trust others and open your heart to the endless possibility of more than one person to be your friend who shares the same interests that you do. I know now, to look for someone who will tell me everything and will not hide the most pointless thing. I also know to look for someone that makes me a better person. It gets better.

4. You made my life hard then, but not anymore.

You may have left my side as my best friend four years ago and I may have been crushed then, but throughout the years, I have gotten better, made great friends, and learned to let go of the past. I am now excited about my future and what it entails. Living life with a glass half empty is no way to live. It gets better.

5. You've made me thankful.

I couldn't be any happier with the memories that I made back in the day. We had a blast, had a lot in common, did absolutely everything together but now we have grown apart. We have become different people than we once were and there is nothing wrong with that. All I am doing now is learning from the opportunity that you have given me, to broaden my horizons to others. I would not change the past and I won't hold any grudges for what has happened. I will take it and learn from it. I have learned many things from the friendship I once had, and I can only share with others that it gets better. I promise.