As a girl who just had her heart ripped out and torn to shreds by a boy that I hoped would be in my life, in one way or another, for the rest of it, I think it’s safe to say that toxic relationships are just that. Despite my young and relative immaturity, I feel as though I’ve felt enough heartbreak to last a lifetime. While I understand that sometimes, things work out and everyone is happy, I also know, from personal experience, that often times, high school relationships, held together by nothing much more than “feelings” and history, do not always pan out. I’ve been through a few rough patches and yeah, it really sucks to finally let someone go, but sometimes, that’s what’s best for yourself, if not everyone involved.

To start off, I would just like to say thank you to all of the people who stuck beside me and held me while my tears soaked their shirt after a boy broke my heart because Lord knows, I have a very breakable heart. I also want to thank everyone who took a step back and let me have my space when I asked for it.

Now, as I finally get to the significant part of this article I want to point out that, young ladies, I’m talking to you. It is okay to let him go. I know that he seems like he’s “the one” but chances are, if he’s causing you this much pain, he probably isn’t. Also, on the flip side, if it seems as though you’ve done something to turn his life upside down and you’re finding yourself begging for him to stay with you, you’re probably not his “one.” We’re young, and so very easily influenced. Just because your friends have found someone to do life with, does not mean that you should continue to barely keep your head above the water. If he’s no good for you, he’s no good for you. You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to change. You also cannot change their minds, if they don’t think they’re wrong.

Okay, so when I say “toxic relationship,” I mean any and all kinds of toxicity. Abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal, frequent arguing, and lack of trust are all ways that a relationship can be toxic. No one should have to feel like they are not worthy of attention, love, or fair treatment. Let me say that once more for the people in the back. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO FEEL AS IF THEY AREN’T WORTH ATTENTION, AFFECTION, OR EQUALITY IN A RELATIONSHIP. Each and every one of us is a princess and we deserve to be treated as such.

I’m not going to lie; I will probably reread this article dozens of times before it’s published. I will probably also continue to read it hundreds of times after it has been shared with all of you beautiful people. I know this because I, like so many others, need constant reassurance that I am worthy. I am enough. I am deserving. I’m not saying that you must also reread this until you can recite it word for word. I am, however, asking- begging you to remember that you are worthy and deserving. Do not ever give a boy the power to make you feel inferior. Do not ever let a boy make you feel as if you won’t be okay without him. A relationship does not define you and if you’re with someone that could be considered toxic or destructive to your well-being, you should know that it doesn’t have to be this way. You is kind. You is smart. You is important. There are so many fish in the sea. So what if that boy in your 5^th period, math class, wasn’t “the one?” Who’s to say that your “one” isn’t going to be the boy that you literally run into as you sprint through the door of your dorm as you try to get out of the cold? I promise you, you will be okay without him. It is okay to let him go, even though it hurts now, it will get better.