Naive can commonly be defined as:simple, unaffected, unsuspecting, artless, guileless, candid, open, plain. While these alone are not all negative attributes a person could possess, when it comes to your heart they are. We have all been there- cared about a person a little too much and even when we knew we should let them go, we just couldn't. This is not just for dating but for friendships, acquaintances or literally anyone who takes your kind and giving nature for granted. As 2017 is quickly approaching, I am making a conscious effort to rid my life of those toxic people once and for all, and I think you should too.

First of all, it is not okay. It is not ever okay for someone to take constant advantage of you without offering you the slightest in return. Relationships are a two-way street. If you're like me, you don't mind doing things for those you care about because you care about them. However, there comes a point where you begin to wonder, "Why should I go out of my way for you when you wouldn't do the same for me?" If you have already had this thought pop into your head please just do yourself a favor and cut them off right then and there. They don't deserve you, and you don't deserve the stress they bring into your life. Using you is not love, it is not okay, there is no viable excuse as to why this should ever be okay. Know your worth. This is not how it is supposed to be and it is time to let them know.

I know this is easier said than done, trust me I know. And often it is easier to make excuses as to why a person acts they way they do rather than facing the facts head on, I get it. But once you decide internally that you will not be taken for granted anymore your entire life will change. You will find out who is really there for you and who was just using you. No one can make this decision for yourself except for you. You have to decide when enough is enough and want to make a change. Until then, no one can help you.

So as you are making your list of "New Years Resolutions" some of which will be kept and some of which were intended to keep, I hope you put yourself first and rid your life of all that negative energy. Once you make the decision that you will not be taken for granted, you will not regret it. You are worth so much more than someone who only uses you to their benefit and offers you zero in return. You deserve a year full of happiness and love with the people who truly care about you by your side, not someone who uses and abuses you for their benefit.