I've learned -

that less expectation means less hurts.

I've learned -

that no matter how much I care,

some people just don't care back.

I've learned -

that it takes years to build up trust,

and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned -

that it's not what you have in your life

but who you have in your life that counts

I've learned -

that it's not what happens to people

that's important. It's what they do about it.

I've learned -

that it's a lot easier

to react than it is to think.

I've learned -
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I've learned -
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you're down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned -
that sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I've learned -

that true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance.

I've learned -
that sometimes when my friends fight,
I'm forced to choose sides
even when I don't want to.

I've learned -
that just because someone doesn't love you
the way you want them to doesn't mean
they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned - 

that even when you think

you have no more to give,

when a friend cries out to you,

you will find the strength to help.

I've learned -

that although the word "love"

can have many different meanings,

it loses value when overly used.

I've learned -
that your family won't always
be there for you. It may seem funny,
but people you aren't related to
can take care of you and love you
and teach you to trust people again.

I've learned -
that no matter how bad
your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned -
that sometimes you have to put
the individual ahead of their actions.

I've learned -
that your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I've learned -

that it's hard to determine

where to draw the line

between being nice and

not hurting people's feelings

and standing up for what you believe.