To my toxic ex-friend,

In my mind, a friend is someone that you can come to when you are having a rough time. They should be someone that you can vent to and not fear judgment.

They should not be a person who makes you feel ashamed for telling them what is wrong. But that exactly what you did to me. You told me that I was jealous that you were happy and I was not.

When I finally worked up enough confidence to tell you how I really felt, you told me I was projecting.

You treated me like your chauffeur and not like a person. I always let you push me around because you were older than me and I wanted to have friends.

I finally had enough and told you so. Yes, I was going through a really rough patch in my life. Actually, the hardest part in my life so far. But instead of caring, you decided that I was just jealous.

In your words, I was jealous “because you had someone who loved you and I no longer did.” This was shortly after an awful break-up of a long-term relationship. A break-up that caused me to finally realize I have depression.

But, you, of course, made it my fault for no longer wanting to be your doormat. How dare I stand up to you.

So, this letter is for you. This letter is to say that two years later, I am happy. I have not talked to you since that day. And frankly, I do not care.

I have your number blocked, it actually has been blocked for the past two years.

I am happy in my relationship, I graduated high school, and went to college. You have probably felt success in your own way. And I am happy for you.

But, I really want to thank you. I want to thank you for finally showing me what a real friend is and that you were not one. I want to thank you for being out of my life because I cannot imagine still being the same person I was two years ago.

Thank you for being out of my life. Thank you for causing a vacancy in my friend group where someone who is genuine could fill in. I would not have made half the friends that I have if it were not for how crappy you treated me.

Thank you for leaving. Thank you for not making me your doormat anymore.

Thank you for showing me that I did not need to please everyone.

Thank you for showing me that keeping secrets from the people I love the most is not a way to live.

Thank you for leaving me the best friend I could ever ask for.

Thank you for making me realize that I deserved better.

Thank you for showing me that I should not be bending over backward for someone who would not do the same for me.

Thank you for showing me my worth. You never treated me like I was worth anything but now I know better.

Thank you for leaving and never turning back. I do not really miss you.

Your Stronger Ex-Friend,

Kelsey