Dear You,
As I sit down to write this letter, a flood of emotions overwhelms me. It’s a mixture of pain, liberation, and a newfound sense of empowerment that has taken me years to cultivate. This letter marks the end of a chapter—a final goodbye to the person who left me in pieces, yet unknowingly, catalyzed my transformation into someone stronger, someone unrecognizable to both of us.
You entered my life like a whirlwind, promising love, joy, and companionship. Instead, you brought storms I had never imagined I could weather. With each passing day under your shadow, I lost a piece of myself. Your words, once sweet and full of promises, turned into daggers, each one aimed precisely to hurt, control, and manipulate.
I never deserved the cold silences or the sudden outbursts that left me walking on eggshells. The home we shared became a prison, where my voice was stifled, and my spirit was crushed. You made me believe I was unworthy of love, respect, and even the basic kindness one human owes to another.
Nights were the hardest—when the world went silent, and I was left alone with my thoughts, replaying the day’s events, questioning my worth, and wondering what I had done to deserve such treatment. The answer, though it took me far too long to realize, was nothing. I did nothing to deserve the way you made me feel—small, insignificant, and utterly alone.
Thank you, though. Thank you for showing me the depths of my resilience. Thank you for making me understand that my worth is not defined by how you or anyone else treats me. You thought you broke me, but in reality, you broke me open, allowing me to see my own strength, to rebuild myself from the inside out.
The journey from the person I was with you to the person writing this letter has not been easy. It has been filled with tears, rage, and moments of despair. But it has also been filled with growth, self-discovery, and a fierce determination to never allow anyone to dim my light again.
I’ve learned to embrace my flaws, to celebrate my strengths, and to love myself in ways I never knew were possible. I’ve found peace in solitude and joy in the company of those who uplift and support me. I’ve learned that love should never hurt, that respect is non-negotiable, and that I am deserving of a love that nurtures, not one that destroys.
Perhaps the most significant lesson you taught me is that I am my own savior. I no longer look for someone to rescue me but instead, I’ve learned to stand up for myself, to set boundaries, and to walk away from situations and people that threaten my peace.
The scars you left serve as reminders, not of my weakness, but of my strength. They remind me of what I’ve survived and how far I’ve come. They are badges of honor, testifying to my resilience and my ability to rise from the ashes of the person you tried to bury.
You may have thought that your actions would forever define me, that I would remain a shadow of myself, lost and broken. But you were wrong. I am not the person you left behind. I am stronger, wiser, and more powerful than you could ever imagine.
So, this is where I leave you—behind me, in the past, where you belong. I am moving forward, embracing my future with open arms and a heart that, while once shattered, is now whole.
I forgive you, not for your sake, but for mine. Holding onto anger and bitterness serves no one, least of all me. Forgiveness has freed me from the chains of our past, allowing me to step into a future filled with hope and endless possibilities.
I no longer harbor any ill will towards you. Instead, I wish you healing and growth. I hope that one day, you come to understand the true meaning of love and respect and that you never cause anyone else the pain you caused me.
As I close this chapter of my life, I want you to know that I am grateful for the lessons learned and the strength gained. You may have broken me, but in doing so, you unwittingly set me free.
Thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for the pain, the tears, and the heartache, for they have all led me to this moment of pure, unadulterated freedom. I am finally me, and I have never been happier.
Goodbye, and may you find peace within yourself, just as I have found within me.
With strength and gratitude,
A Survivor