Dear Time, 

Thank you. You have allowed me to witness exciting events and experience great joy. You have been my constant companion throughout my busy junior year, accompanying me to classes, sports practice, college visits, and to leadership training, sticking with me every moment, even when I sleep. You have been precious to me. As a high school student juggling different aspects of my life, your support has been especially crucial. You have ensured my success by forcing me to do my homework on time, and reminding me every morning, without fail, that I need to improve my sleep schedule. All that said, we need to talk. Lately, I feel like you are plotting to destroy my reputation. I am known for being late at times. Well… most times. You cause me to feel huge amounts of stress, so much that it is driving me crazy, making me lose control. What it comes down to is that there is a line between supportive and too clingy, and you are on the wrong side of it. Sometimes I think it’s not you, it’s me, but I have come to realize that no, it’s you! That is why I am writing to you. Thank you for all you have done for me. All of the places you have taken me, all of the memories we have made, and most of all, all of the opportunities you have given me. I very much appreciate all of the effort that you have put into our relationship and I never wished for this to happen, but our relationship has grown unhealthy, and therefore it needs to end.

Yes,  I am breaking up with you, but by no means do I want to hurt you. In fact, I hope you will find someone else who appreciates you, and can accept your constant presence. We just aren’t the right fit. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other fish in the sea, you simply need to continue ticking along!

While this was an incredibly painful choice to make, I chose to tell you this now because as I progress through my junior year, I have begun to prioritize. This led me to recognize your toxicity. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but some constructive criticism might help you in future relationships. You only allow for 24 hours in a day, and expect me to sleep for at least 8 of them to remain healthy. Your expectations are far too high and I feel a constant pressure to abide by your schedule. Having to do things I don’t enjoy is difficult enough, and you just make it all more painful. 

Even though we are breaking up, I hope we can stay friends. I would love it if you stopped by every once in a while to help me out when I have a paper to or a party to attend, but I just can’t live with your constant presence anymore. 

Best wishes, 

Eden Bernstein