It's spring and love is in the air, and then... it just isn't. Sometimes it's unexpected; other times, it's a long time coming. But, as well all know, breaking up is hard to do no matter what. Just ask Taylor Swift or Demi Lovato, who both proved they're just like us by recently joining the summer break-up club in 2016 after splitting from Calvin Harris and Wilmer Valderrama respectively. In hopes of making things a little easier — and to hopefully make your summer a lot better — I've assembled the ultimate summer breakup playlist that will get you over the one who broke your heart. Like Beyoncé, it is time to take those lemons and make lemonade. Besides, there's no time to cry. It's just too nice outside for that.
Of course, that doesn't mean this playlist won't pull at your heartstrings. You may shed some tears in the beginning, but you won't be drowning your sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry's for the entire three months. The only ice cream you'll be having is celebratory. It is summer after all.
Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" may have initially seemed like the song that would soundtrack your heartbroken summer, but I suggest speeding up the grieving process with a little help from these 12 ladies who would never do you wrong.
1. Mitski, "Happy"
Despite the title of this track off her upcoming album, Puberty 2, Mitski is anything but. She sings of having been loved and left behind, of the happy feeling she was consumed with while her lover was around, only to be left broken. "And when you go, take this heart," she sings. "I'll make no more use of it when there's no more you." That seems to perfectly encapsulate the feeling of being broken up with.
2. Gwen Stefani, "Used To Love You"
This is what the truth feels like, something Stefani makes clear on this ballad that has her remembering back before she hated her ex, to when she loved him. It's a pretty rational take on a breakup, in which you sit down and really start to breakdown what happened and why. She's not blaming herself for this one, but she's realizing there may have been signs. Shedding tears while listening to this song seems inevitable, but a good cry is often the first step to washing you ex right out of your life.
3. Alicia Keys, "In Common"
If we're being honest, this sounds like the best "it's not you, it's me" line that has you actually placing blame on the other person. Perhaps, it's a little passive aggressive, but it's also a step in the right direction to getting over your ex. Maybe you did just have way too much in common, or maybe not enough. Either way, the relationship is over, and it's time for you to do you. So, go do it.
4. Selena Gomez, "Same Old Love"
Take it from Gomez. Sometimes a breakup makes you realize you've developed a pattern of dating not-so-good guys or girls. Time to say enough is enough. Your heart will thank you.
5. Rihanna, "Needed Me"
Once you've moved out of the grieving stage, you may start exhibiting a little anger. Let Rihanna be your guide. This savage takedown of a guy who thinks he's going to ride in on a white horse and save Rihanna from herself makes it clear that he needs to save himself from her. Don't get it twisted. Like Rihanna, you're good all on your own.
6. Taylor Swift, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
Your ex may have needed you, but that doesn't mean you still need him. That's why this is the song that soundtracks your epiphany moment when you realize you are never ever getting back together. Like, ever. And you're totally cool with that.
7. Carly Rae Jepsen, "Boy Problems"
Jepsen sympathizes with your relationship problems and is here to say that we've all got them. But don't chew your friend's ear off about it; instead, go out and have some girl time. It'll be way more fun than spending another night in overanalyzing your love life. I know from experience.
8. Beyoncé, "Sorry"
You're not sorry about the dissolution of your last relationship. It's over and you're ready to move on, because Becky ain't got nothing on you. The best part is that now no one will be interrupting your grindin'.
9. Sia "Cheap Thrills"
Since you have much more time for dancing, may I suggest taking Sia's approach? Paint your nails, put your high heels on, and hit the dance floor with some of your friends. You don't need money. You just need to feel the beat.
10. Adele, "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)"
While you're not sorry things ended, you have come to the point where you do feel sorry for your ex's next conquest. This may your kiss-off to him, but, more importantly, this is your empowerment anthem. Buh, bye.
11. Demi Lovato, "Cool For The Summer"
If Grease taught us anything, summer is a time for lovin', so get back out there. This song will be your confidence-building theme, because you are everybody's body type. Why not take a little advantage of that?
12. Ariana Grande, "Into You"
With this song, Grande makes it clear you can love again, but this time it's on your terms. This flirty track also offers up the perfect pickup line for a dangerous woman like yourself: "A little less conversation and a little more touch my body." If your crush isn't into that, then I say move on. Summer is too short to be wasting your time on questionable suitors.
These songs should encourage you to take some time to mourn, but not too much time. Summer is only three months long after all, and I wouldn't want to see you waste all that good sunshine.
Image: Giphy
