Popular saying goes; "the only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing," and well, thanks to you, I've learned lots.

I learned to appreciate others around me

You literally sucked the life out of me, and while it's not justifiable (no individual should ever hold that much power) I gained a new appreciation for those surrounding me. To the friends that stuck by me through my countless mistakes, and the repercussions that followed, I probably don't deserve you — but thank you.

I learned that not everyone is, as they appear to be

You treated me as if I was disposable, and that's not a pill easily swallowed. Regardless if it was by convenience, or from flawed thinking, your intentions were for you and only you. From this point on, I will be wary of the words said from stranger's mouths. Trust formerly came too easily, now people have to earn it.

I learned that not being okay, is okay

Bad days are okay. Off days are okay. Feelings of upset triggered from a fight the night before, or an encounter minutes prior, everyone has regrets that make that one simple day feel never ending. Being sad is okay. Feeling regret is okay. What's not okay? — Letting the bad days get the better of you. Any action or word done, or said by you, means nothing. I may not be okay now, but I will be.

I learned that being able to say no is a lot harder than it looks

Learning you're a pushover is never fun. Hearing it said from the one person who took advantage of your weak spot the most, kills. I've learned to do things for myself. Don't spend time on others that won't lift a finger for you. At the end of the day, time spent over unreciprocated actions, is time wasted.

I learned how to forgive

Actions speak louder than words, but hate is more consuming than forgiveness. The wrongdoings will never be forgotten, but part of me not giving you the time of day, involves me not letting you seep into my thoughts, in any form. This includes me thinking, on an unfortunately timed loop, of all the things I loathe you for. I'm done wasting my energy from thoughts of someone that really couldn't care less.

I learned how to be happy

Being with you was a paradox. I knew the unhappiness that would be brought upon me, yet I continued to ravel myself into you — full knowing what was to come once the storm stopped. I don't know whether to call you toxic, or one of the best things to happen to me, but from you; without you, I learned how to genuinely smile. How to laugh graciously, and appreciate the small moments. Call me an idiot, but turns out you weren't a mistake after all. The world is truly a beautiful place. No longer being wrapped around your finger only adds to the beauty.