He did the worst possible thing you can do to your partner: he cheated on me.

Not only did he cheat on me but I found out because he publicly announced it on social media. And although I was upset about it, I'm glad he did it. Now most people probably wouldn't say that...but I did. And I meant it. Not only did his actions show me how selfish, dishonest, and immature he is, but it saved my future.

First off, if he hadn't posted that picture on social media I could have spent months or even years with him and never have realized he was cheating. Even worse, I could have actually fallen in love with him.That would have led to terrible heartbreak and honestly, a complete waste of time. Secondly, it saved me from putting my future on hold. I had made plans. So many plans. I knew I was going to be busy next summer, out of the country next fall, and I knew exactly where I wanted to go after graduation. . .and I was terrified of wanting those things because not a single one of them involved him. However, I was willing to put my dreams on hold because I was thinking of HIS best interest instead of mine. What was I doing? I would have hated him for the rest of my life for letting me give up those opportunities. Doing what he did gave me the perfect opportunity to accept and look forward to my future. I could live out all of those big, amazing dreams without worrying about the extra baggage. Finally, it taught me the true value of trusting your friends' opinions. Unfortunately, I learned that by losing a really good friendship. To that friend, I'm deeply sorry. I will forever cherish and love you. ALWAYS listen to your friends; they have your best interest at heart. Your friends want you to be happy and successful - they can see that other person more clearly than you ever will. Trust them!

These are just some of the many reasons I'm happy we didn't work out. By cheating, he gave me a way out – he gave me my life back. It's hard to be broken up about something that freed you from some of your biggest worries. This time away from him has given me so much clarity. I can now live my best life - the life I so badly would have longed for. I would have never been satisfied. This experience truly made me believe that everything happens for a reason. However, I will never regret the time we spent together. We had a great thing going for us. All I ask is that he never hurt anyone the way he hurt me. I am forever thankful for the lessons I learned and the memories we made.

XO.