Today in class I learned about something called emotional 'matching.' The idea is simple: We're basically psychologically wired to get annoyed when people's vibes don't match our own. If we're happy we want the downers to shut up and if we're sad we don't want to hear about our friend's great day. Rather, we want to wallow in our sadness for a bit with equally bummed-out friends and sad songs that understand how we're feeling.
Any girl who has gone through a difficult breakup, or who is currently going through one after this past Valentine's Day season, knows all about the wallowing. The day after you're broken up with you're not exactly dancing to your 'happy music' (unless he was an evil one and you're celebrating your release from the gates of hell). Most times you're wedged into your couch in your comfy-but-not-cute groutfit eating a tub of ice cream while listening to your 'everybody sucks and my heart hurts' playlist because it ironically makes you feel less sad. It understands your drama.
Anyone who's going through this should remember two very important things. First, IT IS OKAY TO WALLOW. Wallow. Sulk. Cry until your heart's content. Letting it all out for a little while is healthy as long as you remember to pick yourself back up again. Second, turn to music! Make a sad playlist or listen to your go-to heartbreak song on repeat. Having suggested this, I feel like it's only right to provide you newly sulking singles with a playlist to sulk to.
So here are some of Taylor Swift's love songs to cry to, wallow in, or get angry with (because who else's music could possibly be more appropriate for the occasion):
1. "Forever and Always"
Listen to "Forever and Always" in your 'what the hell just happened' moments.
2. "Tell Me Why"
Listen to "Tell Me Why" in your 'why me' moments.
3. "You're Not Sorry"
Listen to "You're Not Sorry" in your 'lose my number' moments.
4. "Mean"
Listen to "Mean" in your 'whatever, I can do better' moments.
5. "Breathe"
Listen to "Breathe" in your 'crying myself a river' moments.
6. "Should've Said No"
Listen to "Should've Said No" in your 'what an idiot' moments.
7. "I Almost Do"
Listen to "I Almost Do" in your 'maybe I'll just call one last time' moments.
8. "Dear John"
Listen to "Dear John" in your 'I should've known' moments.
9. "Cold As You"
Listen to "Cold As You" in your 'why am I so much more upset than they are' moments.
10. "Haunted"
Listen to "Haunted" in your 'so... why can't I let this go' moments.
11. "Better Than Revenge"
Listen to "Better Than Revenge" in your 'I can't figure out if I'm more mad at my ex or their new boo' moments.
12. "All Too Well"
Listen to "All Too Well" in your 'we really had something didn't we?' moments.
13. "Picture To Burn"
Listen to "Picture To Burn" in your 'bye boy' moments. Because, although a good cry is healthy every once in a while, you've got to accept it, pick yourself up, and get your fire back. You can't complain about it forever... unless you're Taylor Swift.
