LET’S FACE IT, SHIT HAPPENS. Humans suck and eventually relationships come to an end. There’s a time and place for feeling down in the dumps but it’s not doing you any good throwing a pity-party day after day. Sometimes we need a little help to weather the storm and there is no shame in asking for it so here’s a quintessential playlist to help you get through those tough emotions.

“Habits (Stay High)” – Tove Lo

Tove Lo has some pretty bad habits but she brings up an important topic – finding distraction. It might not resolve the situation but finding this escape creates a few hours of reprieve from the emotional turmoil going on inside your head. Life will move on from this relationship and it’s important that you catch glimpses of it so you don’t get left behind.

“Gives You Hell” – The All-American Rejects

Breaking up doesn’t have to be all thunderstorms and tubs of ice cream. You might be hurting but this song is a good reminder that you’re still a rock star. You’re going to go on to do amazing things and that ex is going to rue the day they split with you. The best revenge is giving someone hell by becoming more successful than they are.

“Fighter” – Christina Aguilera

As the bad habits and comfort foods become less of a crutch it becomes important to build yourself back up. You dealt with a lot of crap in this relationship and perhaps you fell for a few lies but that’s never going to happen again. You’re going to come out of this relationship tougher and wiser than ever before. You survived it and you will be ready the next time someone tries to wrong you.

“Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani

Not only did Gwen Stefani teach an entire generation how to spell “bananas”, she also wrote an anthem that rivals the likes of Christina Aguilera. You’re done with that ex’s crap and even if they come crawling back to you it’s time to put a stop to this nonsense. The lies and the fights, it’s all in the past and you will not let them bring you back to that negative space. It might be difficult to see past the rose-tinted fog of your memories, but it is important to stand your ground and tell them to hit the road. You’re better than that; you’re better than them.

“Riding Solo” – Jason Derulo

As the pain and anger dulls, it’s important to embrace being a single pringle. You can do absolutely anything you want to do without worrying about a moody partner. Want to go on an impromptu road trip to Grand Bend? Do it! Feel like marathoning the entire original Pokémon series? You’ve still got their Netflix password! Just got an invite to a VIP booth at Belfort? The world is your oyster! You’re riding solo and the world is ready for the freshly single charm bomb that’s about to explode. It’s time to put yourself first and get back to the things you love doing most.

VALENTINE’S DAY CAN CAUSE AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF STRESS ON A RELATIONSHIP. Societal pressures and unvoiced expectations can make for a dangerous cocktail leading to spectacular fights and possible break ups. What’s important to remember during those inevitable arguments is that a relationship isn’t something to just throw away. It has to be worked at and given a proper chance, so here are some tunes to help everyone calm down and reach a comfortable place to kiss and make up.

“I’m not Perfect” – Hedley

This is an important song no matter which side of the fence you fall on. Whether you’ve been wronged or done your partner wrong, it’s important for everyone to realize that humans are flawed beings. It’s also important to explain to your partner that although you have some imperfections you will strive to improve and make things better. People aren’t perfect and it’s unrealistic to hold someone to those standards.

“Sexual Healing” – Marvin Gaye

I’m not going to beat around the bush here, sometimes couples just need a good time to resolve their issues. It’s not a great idea to aggravate your partner just for some angry sex but the complex array of emotions that come over a person throughout it is unparalleled. Marvin Gaye may not be explicitly singing about angry sex but he knows exactly what he’s talking about. This is a solution that you and your partner can both enjoy.

“Dark Days” - PUP

Lots of couples go through a difficult time during the winter months. The harsh weather and lack of sunlight can make for tense situations and short tempers but you have to remember that it’s not each other’s fault. “Dark Days” draws attention to how difficult winter can be, but looking back on it you’ll be happy you stuck it out. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and if you can both appreciate that winter sucks but your relationship doesn’t, then things will turn out alright.

“Make up Your Mind” – Theory of a Dead Man

Sometimes couples break up and make up as often as people go out to dinner. Part of you wants to leave but another part is screaming to stay with your partner. It can be a confusing and irrational game of back and forth that never seems to end but then again, love is an irrational thing. Although Theory of a Dead Man may not have found answers themselves, perhaps this song will help you commit to staying or leaving.

“I Want You Back” – Jackson 5

Let’s face it, no one is completely logical at every waking moment and sometimes it takes the wisdom of a sassy 11-year-old to shed light on a situation. “I Want You Back” perfectly captures the emotions of seeing an ex with someone else and realizing how important they actually were to you. It’s a difficult and sometimes shocking revelation when these feelings of loss and regret appear but it’s important not to keep them bottled up. Rejection can hurt but at least it gives proper closure to these feelings, otherwise you might go through life wondering “what if” for weeks, months or even years. Take a breath, swallow your pride and lay it all out on the table.