Dear "Best Friends",

Thank you.

We met way back in 11th grade and everything seemed good. I introduced you into my little group of friends and we all became so close! We all did everything together as a group from going to football games, dinner dates, and some of us even worked together. We had so many good experiences together. I wouldn't imagine the day would come that we all would go our separate ways.

I started noticing things weren't right in our group when there was constantly drama. I'm not saying it was one person or another, but we all just fought all the time. We fought so much that I spent most of my time stressed out and crying because I thought I could lose my best friends at any minute. Towards the end of our friendship I could see the divide in the group, it was clear who wanted to be with who, and that really hurt.

Not knowing was the worst. I would constantly ask myself, "What did I do wrong? Did I say something bad? Did I piss them off?" Being ignored by your "best friends" sucks. I spent days crying because you all would hang out without me and post all about it on social media how you all are having the time of your lives. It hurt so much because I did not know what I did to make everyone not want to invite me anywhere. It hurt because you all were my best friends, my ride or dies, my homies, and now we were like strangers.

But I want to thank you. If it weren't for you all I wouldn't have discovered my true friends. Friends don't toss each other to the curb when they are bored of them, or even if you got into a small argument. Friends will talk it out and find a happy medium. I was always the friend who wanted to make others happy. Every birthday I would deck out the locker with balloons and other decorations. Or on days you weren't feeling good, I was always there with your favorite Starbucks drink. But, none of you ever did that for me. I was never top priority, and I see this now.

I now see that you didn't treat me like a friend, you only wanted me around when you were bored or there was no one else to hang out with. You never cared what happened to me, from my dog passing to me getting accepting into a school I love. You never supported me when I was having a rough day. I was always there for you, but you weren't there for me.

However, I am not angry. I glad I met you all. You allowed me to open my eyes and meet great people who care about me, ones who will always be by my side. When you pushed me aside, you allowed me to realized the people who were pulling me in. Our experiences together only shape me into a more mature person and allow me to not be as naïve as I once was.

So, thank you. Thank you for allowing me to recognize that not everyone will stay in your life, and that is completely okay.

Good luck in your future, you all will do fine.

Love,

Ashley (your "best friend")