I will not let the fact that you are not as good as me bring me down. I will not let you be the reason that I am not excelling. I will not let your opinions hinder my growth. I will not let your needs be a priority over mine. I will not let the idea of hurting you, hurt me.

Just because you are not at the same level as me doesn’t mean that I have to stoop to yours to meet your expectations. I will not turn down my sparkle just because you don’t shine as bright. I stopped caring about our relationship when you started trying to hold me back from my full potential. I no longer care about any history between us, because you have spent the whole time dragging me down. I can’t afford the same luxuries you can; I can’t afford to hold back and not be the best I can be. You may be able to try, try again and waste your life away on mediocrity, but I need to stay far above average. I have been working my whole life to get to where I am and where I want to be. I won’t allow myself to be any less than my best anymore.

We could’ve been a great pair, but as soon as you started setting your bar lower so you could stay comfortable, I should’ve known. I should’ve known that you wouldn’t want to be with me the way I was, because I am an overachiever. I should've known that you would want to change me to suit your needs. I should have known that you would try to hold me back for your own good and for my own harm. As soon as you decided you wanted to stay within your comfort zone, you tried to get me to do the same. “Don’t keep working on that, you’ve got time tomorrow.” “It doesn’t need to be perfect, this is college now, Cs get degrees.” “Let’s just go out, forget that test tomorrow you’ll be fine.” You tried to get me to believe I didn't need what I thought I needed, that I could just barely get by and still be completely fine. You tried to make me think I didn't need to be great.

I almost let myself.

No more. I need to focus on me, not making sure you’re happy. I need an amazing resume, and I need to make good impressions for recommendations. I need perfect attendance to stay on top of things. I need experience and to stay at the top of my game. I don’t need you, and I especially don't need you trying to make me less of a person than I am. I won’t let the person you have become change the person I am. You will not be the person who brings me down from who I know I can be, and who I know I will be. I will be the best person I can be, with or without you.