We dated for a long time, and while you were my boyfriend, you were also my best friend. We spent all of our time together and I don’t regret that at all. I’m thankful for the trips that we took to Sonic, and for the many four-wheeler rides we took together. I’m thankful for all the lazy days and jam sessions we had playing guitar and singing. I’m thankful for everything that we shared from our first date to our last kiss. I’m thankful for the long summer days that we spent in the pool trying not to get stung by horseflies since you lived in the middle of the woods. You were a great boyfriend, and I’m truly thankful that God put you in my life when He did.

If I would have written this letter the day you broke my heart, the words written might have been a little different. I wouldn’t have been able to truly express how thankful I am that you did what you did. No, I’m not being sarcastic. I’m being completely serious. I truly appreciate the heartache you caused me.

I promise I’m not as crazy as I’m making myself sound. When we broke up, I didn’t realize that I could actually be happy again after going through so much pain. If it wasn’t for you putting me through some of the hardest days of my life, I don’t know if I would be the person I am today.

It sounds cheesy, but it’s most definitely true.

I will never forget the day that I got the text from you saying, “It’s not you; it’s me.” I remember sitting on my bedroom floor thinking that nothing would ever be the same. The pain I felt that day was the worst pain I had ever felt. I didn’t understand how someone who loved me so much and had spent so much time with me could put me through such pain.

At first, I definitely wasn’t okay that you broke my heart, but now I am so grateful. I know now what type of man I want in my life. You taught me what love truly is and how important it is for the person I’m in a relationship with to treat me with respect. You showed me how a boy should accept me for who I am and never try to change me. You also showed me how important it is to be in a relationship with someone who understands me. Thank you for making me stronger and for teaching me how to love myself.

Even though things ended rough, I still wish you the best of luck. I hope you find someone who doesn’t want to change you and accepts you for you. I hope you find someone who brings out the best in you. I pray that the woman you find loves you a thousand times more than I ever did. I truly have no hard feelings toward you nor the girl you end up with. She is truly lucky to have someone like you in her life. Even though I'm thankful that you broke my heart, I hope you never break her's. Although we may never speak again, I just wanted to say thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for everything you were, and thank you for breaking my heart.

Sincerely,

Your High School Sweetheart