You deserve better.
If I had to choose a phrase to sum up high school, and 2016 in particular, that would be it. The amount of times that the people I love have told this to me is too much to count, and it's been etched into the back of my brain like some sort of hidden implant.
You'll meet people in your life who will change you, for better or for worse. Sometimes, the same person will better your life while simultaneously destroying it. These people will light your soul on fire, but, in the end, won't be able to handle the heat. They'll come into your life, and make you feel a certain way, but out of the blue, everything will change; suddenly you're desperate to make things normal again, you're overwhelmed with all the what ifs, the memories of how things were, and the desire to return to what you used to have. These feelings will only drive you crazy in the end.
Some people will end up treating you like crap. You'll think that they're one thing, you'll hope that they'll stay that way, but eventually you'll see what they really are. This can make or break them, and you'll be able to see all of the red flags you chose to ignore, the traits you should've noticed a long time ago, and all of the ways that they make you feel. If you're anything like me, you'll ignore it anyways, to keep them in your life.
I'm the type of person who wants and hopes for the best in people. When I really care about someone, I block out all of the obvious warning signs, the negative behaviors, and I continue to hopelessly crave their attention and affection. Despite everyone telling me to cut them out of my life, that I don't need them, I continue to hope for a change, hope for something better.
I need to reevaluate.
I need to understand that my happiness doesn't depend on other people. That sometimes, things aren't meant to work out. I need to realize that some people can stay in your hearts, but not in your life. Even if they were (or still are) what you needed, things can change. It can't always be a happy ending with everyone you meet.
So think about the people in your life. Think about the people who don't make you feel the way that you should. Let me tell you a secret--if they make you feel like you're less than you really are, it's their fault, not yours. There are so many times when the people I love think that they did something to deserve being treated badly, that they actually deserve the treatment they're receiving. It's absolutely not true at all. You did nothing wrong. If the people in your life can't value you or see what you really are, that's their loss, not yours.
Don't text them. Don't pine over them, no matter how hard it might seem. Eventually, things might work out, but for now, don't let someone make you feel like you're anything less than a force of nature. You are smart, and strong, and worth the effort, and if they can't see that, forget them.
You deserve better.
