When we were younger, break-ups were some of the toughest times in our lives. Back in the fifth grade, heartbreaks could last days or even, for the ones we hugged, weeks.

During those tragic time periods, before you started to hug a new boy in the hallways, laying in bed and listening to the most popular break-up music of the decade was the only thing that encouraged us to eventually erase his name next to "aaf" from your away message on AIM.

I would like to personally thank the following songs for being there for me in my time of need and for encouraging me to move on and start hugging new boys:

For when it seemed like it was the end of the world:

Rascal Flatts - "What Hurts The Most" (2006)

Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Love" (2007)

Avril Lavigne - "When You're Gone" (2007)

For when you started to realize you're a strong independent elementary/middle schooler:

'N' Sync - "Bye Bye Bye" (2000)

Kelly Clarkson - "Since U Been Gone" (2004)

Beyonce - "Irreplaceable" (2006)

Fergie - "Big Girls Don't Cry" (2006)

JoJo - "Too Little Too Late" (2006)

Taylor Swift - "Picture To Burn" (2006)

Aly & AJ - "Potential Breakup Song" (2007)

Fall Out Boy - "Thanks For The Memories" (2007)

Timbaland ft. OneRepublic - "Apologize" (2007)

The All-American Rejects - "Gives You Hell" (2008)

Jason Derulo - "Ridin' Solo" (2010)

And to top it all off to give you that extra push:

Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive" (1978)