At this point, most of us have encountered a bad friend or have been hurt by someone close to us. It's unexpected. And it hurts. We never expect to lose someone so close to us that we care about so much. For most people, the pain caused by a close friend hurts more than anything. The term "backstabbing" didn't come about for no reason.

Imagine you're best friends. Inseparable. You tell each other everything. All of your deepest and darkest secrets. Over the years there were times that others had altering opinions about your best friend. Some tried warning you that this person is not a good friend to you. But you don't want to believe it. You defend them. You don't listen to others.

But then it hits you. Like a brick wall. Maybe you should've listened to them and heeded the warning. Maybe they hurt you. They knowingly hurt you. Or maybe they weren't a good friend to you. Or maybe they no longer put an effort toward your friendship and simply let it go. Or maybe it was all of the above. It feels as though your years of friendship meant nothing to this person. But despite what may have happened, you still want to be friends with them. You want to put the differences aside because you can't imagine life without them.

How can people so close to us hurt us and walk away? Are they selfish? Insecure? Or just malicious? Who knows? In my case, I'm not sure, but I don't want or need to know. I was trying to mend what was left of a friendship that this person didn't seem to care if it was fixed or not. I had to give up and let go for my own well being.

However, I don't necessarily wish things were different. If I could tell this person one thing, it would be "thank you." First of all, thank you for all the memories. Thank you for all the laughter and good times. Thank you for the times you gave me advice, the times that you were there for me, and the times you listened to me.

But more importantly, thank you for the tears. The situation between us has taught me many things about life. I've learned about trust. I've learned about friendship. I've learned that no matter how much you care about a person and try to protect or help them, you can't make them do the same. I've learned acceptance. I've accepted the fact that some things will never go back to the way they were. I've learned to let go. I've learned that sometimes you can't change a situation or a person and that letting go is the only solution. I've learned that as much I want to believe that my friends todays will always be my friends, it may not always be the case. People change, things change. And we can't do anything about that. I've learned how to let myself get hurt and be able to get back up.

So thank you. Thank you for hurting me. Thank you for inadvertently teaching me all these things. I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. So I'm not hurt anymore. I'm no longer mad at you. I no longer resent you. Instead I'd like to thank you. Getting hurt is an important part of life that teaches you things and can make you stronger and wiser, as long as you don't let it get the best of you.