Before I finish writing this letter, I want to say that I am sorry things didn’t work out the way we had planned and fought so hard for. Maybe we were silly for thinking about our futures together and how we could make things work, despite all the odds that were against us. For years you were my rock when I needed you the most and not having you during this part of my life is a mountain I still have yet to conquer, but I am trying my hardest to continue climbing through the various avalanches that keep pushing me back down to sea level.

Maybe everyone else was right about us, anyway. You and I were so dedicated to each other that we didn’t realize exactly how we hurt one another and held each other back. Although we wish we could have found some loophole in the system to make things better and last forever, we simply couldn’t anymore and I don’t blame you for that -- but that isn’t the purpose of this letter.

Since I have had some time to reflect back on our past relationship, I think a simple “thank you” is what needs to be said in order for us both to continue moving forward from each other and for us to understand exactly what this past relationship gave for both of us. Because we no longer talk, I am writing this letter in hopes that one day it will reach you, to show how you morphed me into who I am today.

You believed in me when I couldn’t.

Although we had our arguments over the smallest things, you were always there for me when I needed you the most. Often I would tell you that I was incapable of completing a task, and you would be right there for me, pushing me the whole time to become a better version of myself.

You showed me that the world is so much better when you disconnect.

Even though our relationship consisted of thousands of text messages and random memes, when I was with you I felt no need to follow anything that was going on outside of that moment with you. Of course, I still would often get on my phone to check silly things such as Snapchat or Facebook, but if it wasn’t for your strange obsession with iFunny then I wouldn’t have had as many laughing fits as I did.

You loved me when I was at my lowest point.

I've struggled with self-esteem for basically my entire life, but you constantly reminded me of how beautiful of a person I was inside and out. If it wasn’t for you, I would probably still be standing in a mirror focusing on all of my bad traits instead of the things I am capable of.

You helped me better understand who I am supposed to be.

With your help, I began focusing on the things that mattered most to me, and distancing myself from everything that didn’t matter. Because of you, I have indulged myself in charity work, balancing multiple jobs with an education, enjoying the outdoors, and fighting for what I believe in.

You showed me that if you give something a chance, you might like it.

You helped me face my silliest fears, and showed me that things I thought were not my style could be changed by your extreme tactic of random surprises that never got old.

You taught me that I was capable of loving someone who wasn’t exactly like me.

Despite all of our differences, love for each other was the biggest thing that held us together through all the hard times. While some would disagree with us, you and I balanced each other out to become a couple that most thought was invincible. Although our ship has sank, I am grateful to say that I have collected valuable treasures to carry with me for the rest of my life.

I hope you have done the same.