You’re probably expecting this letter to be filled with anger, hurt, and sorrow. You’re probably expecting me to cry and plead for your love in return. Well, you’re wrong. My intentions are quite the opposite actually. I want to genuinely thank you for all that you have taught me.

You taught me what it’s like to be observant. I’ve learned how to notice every little thing about you. Whether it was the way your eyes lit up when your favorite song came on the radio or the way you never let the food on your plate touch, I saw it. I loved each and every little thing about you because it made you, well, you. Because of you, I am now able to notice all of the little things in everyone and everything I encounter. These subtle actions that would normally go unrecognized now give me a greater appreciation for the lives around me.

You taught me what it’s like to love selflessly. Though this phrase is said often, I loved you more than there are stars in the sky and grains of sand on the beach. However, the love I had for you transcended typical infatuation; I loved you in such a way that your happiness was of utmost importance to me. Whether that involved me in the picture or not, it didn’t matter. At all. Because of you, I learned that real love doesn’t always mean a fairytale ending for both people involved. Selfless love means realizing that, unfortunately, oneself cannot always be the source of everyone’s happiness. You taught be about the type of love where letting go is the healthiest thing to do.

You helped me to see what I deserve. For you, and you alone, I loved so deeply. Though the feelings were never returned, what I felt for you was intense and it was real. I would’ve run to the ends of the Earth for a chance to see you smile. I would’ve carried the world on my shoulders if it meant that you would feel weightless. I would’ve done anything for you because that’s how much I loved you. After taking a step back, I soon realized that I deserve someone who loves and cares for me the same way that I loved and cared for you. I have to be patient, but that type of love is out there; you proved it to me.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some days where I still wish that it could have worked out between us and you and I could be together, but the reality is that it isn’t in the cards for us. And that’s okay. You were my first lesson of many, and I’m a better person for it. Thank you for helping me realize that genuine love is still out there and that I am deserving of it.