Letting go of people that are close to you is one of the hardest things to do, but sometimes it is necessary. Letting negativity surround you and being constantly unhappy for the sake of someone else’s happiness isn’t fair to you.

When I graduated high school and came to Baylor I decided to leave some people behind because of the negativity that they brought into my life. I was scared to death because doing so meant I would be coming to Baylor all alone.

Eight months later ,I can say that was one of the best decisions I could have made. I had a clean start and no one constantly telling me I was not good enough or that my interests were unimportant. I became surrounded by people who support me, want to see me succeed and value my presence.

I went potluck for roommates, a decision that some commended me for and some thought I was crazy for. I wanted a clean slate, I wanted to make new friends. Those roommates I went potluck for are now my best friends.

I held onto the people who brought negativity into my life for seven years because I thought that if I was good to them they would reciprocate. I have been under the misconception that others will do unto you as you do to them. It’s a harsh reality, but you cannot change anyone. You cannot make them treat you right. I’ve learned this is true not only in friendships but in relationships.

I was surprised when I had friends who checked up on me, friends who were supportive and did not judge my every move.

My biggest flaw is that I am loyal to a fault and a people-pleaser. I will be loyal to someone no matter how many times they do me wrong. I keep giving them a chance because I want them to be the person I know they could be or the person they were at one time. Truth is, people change and they are who they want to be, but I am also who I am and I have learned not to stand for being treated like I do not matter.

It’s not a way to live. There is nothing wrong with removing toxic people from your life. There are good people out there that will care for you and, who knows, they may already be there. You just haven’t noticed them because you were spending too much time pleasing others who, frankly, are not worth your time.

Jessica Hubble is a freshman journalism major from Arlington. She is a staff writer for the Lariat.