The other person probably didn’t make it easy on you. Even though they were treating you terribly and giving you every reason to leave, they probably weren’t happy when you decided you deserved better. They probably screamed at you or sobbed on your shoulder, begging you not to leave. But you still did what was best for yourself. You didn’t believe the lie that they would do better next time. Even if it was the truth this time, they had more than enough chances. You were there for them longer than they deserved. Now it’s time to be there for yourself.
You probably lost other people along the way. Unfortunately, it’s hard to cut someone toxic out of your life without losing other people, too. This person might have turned friends and family members against you. They might have acted like you were the bad guy in the situation. They might have made others choose between you or them. Although it sucks to lose so many people at once, you still did the right thing for your own mental health. You chose yourself – and you know that the people who really matter will choose you, too.
You probably loved this person. Your feelings for them haven’t changed, not completely. You still have love for them. You wish things turned out differently, but you understand that they aren’t going to change. They are never going to treat you the way you deserve, and even though it hurts to walk away, you know it’s the right decision. Now, it might suck, but in the long run, you’re going to be happier this way.
You probably considered leaving for a long time. Most people aren’t able to leave a toxic love the first time something goes wrong. If you’re one of the lucky few, then you should be proud of yourself. But if you’ve tried to do it again and again, you should also be proud that you’re finally gone. After all, you know firsthand how hard it is to leave. You know how easy it is to go back. But you’re refusing because you care about yourself too much to put yourself through that type of pain again.
You’re probably nervous about your future. You’ve been with this person for a long time. You aren’t sure what life is going to look like without them. You might not even know where you’re going to live. But you were brave enough to cast those fears aside. You made the most courageous choice, the healthiest choice, a choice you should be pretty damn proud of.
You’re probably inspiring others around you. You might not realize it, but there are probably other people in your life who are in unhappy relationships. These people might see what you’re doing and become inspired by you. You might help them see their own worth. You might remind them that they should never settle for less than they deserve, and that it’s never too late to change their life.