I've learned - that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I've learned - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score. I've learned - that learning to forgive takes practice.  I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. I've learned - that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.  I've learned - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I've learned - that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides. I've learned - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.  I've learned - that you can keep going long after you think you can't. I've learned - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.  I've learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.  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 either you control your attitude or it controls you.  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 not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.  I've learned - that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. I've learned -that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.  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 it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I've learned - that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.   I've learned - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.  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. Families aren't biological.  I've learned _ that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I've learned - that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do but to the best you can do. I've learned -that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I've learned - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.  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 no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.