My Journey Finding Healing Tunes
Last Tuesday night hit different. Found my ex’s hoodie while cleaning the closet – boom, instant sads. Grabbed my phone and went full detective mode hunting breakup songs. Figured if I couldn’t sleep anyway, might as well make a damn playlist.
Scrolled through Spotify like a madwoman first. Typed “ex boyfriend songs” and got flooded with trash. Like why’s Drake always shouting about his exes? Switched to asking my group chat: “What songs y’all cried to after getting dumped?” Sarah said try old Taylor Swift stuff – smart cookie. Also checked my own “Songs That Hurt” playlist from college. Realized my taste back then was terrible.
The Breakdown Process Went Like This:
- Played each song minimum 3 times – first listen for gut reaction, second listen while pacing my kitchen, third listen with lyrics
- Drank cheap wine during testing (two glasses max, important for emotional accuracy)
- Jotted notes in my Notes app like: “Too whiny” or “Oof this guitar solo hits different”
- Avoided anything mentioning engagement rings – that’s trigger territory
Friday morning came and I’d burnt through like 30 tracks. My eyes were puffy from crying to sad ballads, but weirdly felt lighter? Started narrowing down based on two rules: First, the song can’t make you wanna drunk-text them. Second, it’s gotta leave you feeling stronger after.
Drumroll Please… My Top 5 Lifesavers
- “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo – Blasted this during my shower concert. Perfect angry-dance tune
- “Goodbye” by Halsey – That opening piano? Chills. Tears flowed but like… clean tears?
- “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé – Shouted “to the left!” so loud my neighbor banged the wall
- “Thank U, Next” by Ariana – Actually snorted-laughing at “almost got married” line
- “Someone Like You” by Adele – Full ugly cry first listen, now I just feel proud I survived
Final test came Saturday night. Played the whole playlist start to finish while reorganizing my bookshelf. Didn’t check his socials once. Progress!
