Can someone please explain what she means by this? She is my first!?

For me, my first also was a bf of 2.5 years. things were pretty serious but in the end he broke my heart. i sometimes regret that i wasted time on him, but all in all i realize everything happens for a reason. I had to be with him so that i learned how to stand up for myself in relationships. being with him taught me how to love myself when no one else did. he was a stepping stone to my new life and my husband. so although it sucks i didnt get to have that special first with my now husband, i wouldnt take it back because it made me who i am. everyones story is different for different reasons and you just have to come to terms with that