You want to know something that a lot of people won't tell you? Sometimes it just doesn't work out. Our entire lives we watch these movies and read these books that lead us to believe that if you love her and she loves you that's all that matters. In the end, if two people care about each other, everything will work out. Well, let me tell you something very important: sometimes things just don't work out.

I won't go into details about why, because, well, let's be honest: we've been over it a thousand times. That's not the reason I'm writing this. I'm writing this to say thank you. Not to say thank you for the good times and the memories, but to say thank you for loving me when you didn't have to anymore.

Everyone handles the break differently. Some can never see him. Some remain important pieces in each other's lives. Some try their best to maintain a friendship, but the best of intentions fail when unresolved feelings remain. Sometimes you just never realize the impact a person had on your life until you lose them. I felt your loss every single day.

I'll be the first to admit, I was selfish. I still wanted you in my life, and honestly that probably wasn't the right choice. Once we let go, it should have been over and we should have moved on. I don't know why, but I just kept holding on, and you held on too. When I got that internship, you were still the first person I told. When I thought I would never stop crying, your voice is the only one that soothed me. When I thought about giving up, your advice is what inspired me to keep fighting.

I still have your letters. You still laugh at my jokes. I still enjoy the late night drives. You still look at me the way you used to. You are still you, and I am still me. Just because it didn't work out, it doesn't mean I don't love you any less.

People never tell you how hard it is to love someone when it doesn't work out. They never tell you that some days it's going to hurt even worse than when you lost them. Only someone who is really strong can love someone who hurt them in a way they never thought possible, and because of that you are stronger than I'll ever be. But that hurt didn't stop you from driving to my house at 2 a.m. to wipe my tears. It didn't stop you from pulling over because you knew I just needed a hug and some encouraging words.

Sometimes things don't work out. Sometimes you can love someone with all your heart, and it's just not meant to be. But you loved me anyway. After everything we'd been through, you taught me about a new kind of love. You taught me about real love.

So thank you. Thank you for loving me even when you didn't know what that meant anymore. Thank you for loving me when I had done everything I could to push you away. Thank you for loving me when I broke your heart. Most of all, thank you for loving me when you didn't have to anymore.

I thank God everyday for helping me to redefine true friendship.Your strength is imminent through your endless compassion for a girl who didn't deserve it. Someday you'll find someone who does. I wish you nothing but love and happiness. I only hope that one day I can be to you, what you have been to me.

Love Always,

Your Friend