This is a sign.

We met at work. Something that was platonic turned into something serious.

He was my first love.

I was 24. Never been in love and still a virgin.

We were never meant to be it seemed. My friend liked him at the time and I was supposed to be her wing woman-that was a terrible idea.

First talking to him changed my life completely.

A few text messages turned into late night phone calls and betraying a friend.

I didn’t meant to. It just happened. And like all love stories-it just happened.

Things fell into place, but quickly fell apart.

Months of loving, turned into arguments. Things that first were amazing turned into things hated.

Then one night it all fell apart.

He told me he was not in love with me anymore.

He had feelings for his best friend.

My world was stopped. My whole heart was crushed.

His best friend was beautiful, skinny, almost a model it seemed.

I was warned from the beginning their friendship was a red flag. I did not take it.

Weeks went by and there was no contact between either of us, but he was coming back from his vacation soon and I would have to face him at work.

And that day did come. He saw me and I saw the regret in his eyes. I knew heartbreak was written all over my face.

I felt worthless, not beautiful, and uncomfortable in my own skin.

How can someone be so capable of this?

Months passed, seasons changed, and so did I.

I became more confident in myself and never let a man prey on me.

I was capable of making my own decisions and you know what?

He came back.

And I was a new woman.

A woman he loved. A woman he let go. A woman that survived all those nasty thoughts that came into her head.

A woman who let it all go.