I know that things fell apart with us. You went your way, and I went mine. Things have changed in our lives that just make us less compatible as friends, and that’s okay. Nothing lasts forever. Like my mom always says, “People are in your life for a reason, season, or a lifetime, and you never know which one it’ll be.”

Even though things are much different now, I can’t thank you enough for the things you’ve given me. Whether it was clothing or memories or advice, it’s something I’ve carried with me and will always hold dear. You were there for me in some of my darkest moments, and supported me through all of them. You also helped me find the courage in me to do the things I didn’t think I could; to stand up for myself, and how to work for what I want. You taught me how to love the parts of myself that I hated the most, and showed me that it’s okay to have a few flaws, because everyone has them.

You introduced me to some of my favorite songs and movies, and helped me gain a better sense of fashion. You were always down to do my makeup when we were going out, whether it was homecoming or just to the movies with some of our friends.

You were always there to validate my feelings, to make me feel like I wasn’t a crazy person for thinking the way I did (even if I was being a lunatic). You always had my best interests at heart, and weren’t afraid to tell me what I was doing wrong right to my face, without sugar-coating anything. I admired how blunt you were with me and the people around you, and that’s one of the many things I’ve learned from you. You were and still are one of the strongest people I know, and your strength and determination never cease to inspire me to do more.

I know it may seem like I don’t care anymore, and it seems like that from my perspective too, but I want you to know that I haven’t stopped rooting for you. I want the best for you, and I want you to achieve all of your goals and go above and beyond. I want this for you because I know you have it in you. I know that things aren’t the same, and that we probably will never be as close as we once were. But that doesn’t change how much I care about you as a person, and how much I want to watch you thrive and blossom into the amazing woman that you are, empowering those around you. One day, I want to be able to see your name on a magazine or a newspaper and say “That girl was my friend,” and be proud of that. I appreciated you more than I ever said and you are greater than anyone I’ve ever known, and I wish I would have told you that more often.