Dear Me,

We've known each other since the very beginning. No one will ever or could fully comprehend how
completely interwoven we are. Together, we stood there before. It has always been just you and I,
sometimes sobbing in the shower, other times snorting through our noses. Forever and eternally...

Or at least that was the plan, but I left you a while ago, so

I failed to support you when I should have, instead leaving you to rely on the love, support, and strength
of others—strangers. When I was the one who ought to have given you a big hug, complimented you,
and shown my appreciation for the amazing person you are and all the beauty and life you contribute to
this world.

I don't often express my love for you. How greatly I respect you. How stunning, compassionate, wise,
and powerful you are. You are my hero, I tell you.

I should have advised you to tune out the boos and giggles. not giving a damn what people think. not to
be afraid of being unique. to feel confident in your identity. The worst part is that I should have
disregarded the snickers and jeers. I ought not to have given a damn what people thought. I slandered
you by saying awful things as a result. I disrespected you and treated you like a pawn. You're not
enough, I said. That I would love you if you were only a better friend, writer, and lover. I would respect
you if you had more self-assurance, were more outgoing, and were more outspoken. If you succeeded in
your endeavors, I would want you. I've spoken to you in ways that I wouldn't speak to my greatest
enemy and you took it, internalizing every cynical word.

And as a result, I have lost you.

I ought to have been by your side.

I ought to have looked after you.

I ought to have put more effort into becoming the person you deserve.

I ought to have guarded, stood up for, and loved you.

I sincerely apologize for having let you down. I apologize for hurting you, for abandoning you, and for
not constantly praising your greatness. How deserving you are. How powerful, caring, and brave you
are. Forgive me, please.

I am aware that the present is a difficult period for you. That life hasn't given you what you wanted and
hasn't gone according to plan. I am aware that you sometimes feel let down and like a failure or that
everything went wrong. However, the truth is that you are not and never will be a failure. YOU WILL
prevail because YOU ARE STRONG, BOLD, AND HONEST. You will survive and emerge stronger and more
authentically YOU than ever.

You can be whole without anyone else's approval, love, or companionship.

Together, WE are sufficient. WE WILL SUCCESS in this brand-new era. This time, I've got you, and I'm not
letting go. Ever. I'm going to prioritize you this time.

You have my respect, my honor, and my love.

Love for eternity,

Me